SMETHPORT – For many years, Joe Magee of Rew has been known as a
handyman, alwaysðwilling to help friends, neighbors and even people
he didn’t know with a variety of jobs.

“Whether it was repairing TV’s, cars, washing machines, lawn
mowers, or doing plumbing and air conditioning work, Joe could be
counted on to help, regardless of the hour or day, including
weekends and holidays,” said Sharon Sheffer of Cyclone. “He
installed our basement heating system.”

Magee always found time to lend a hand to people despite having
been employed by Pennzoil and Owens-Illinois. “No job was beneath
him,” according to Sheffer. “If he got paid for his work,
wonderful!ðIf not, well,ðhe did the work anyway.”

Now that Magee is in Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh
recovering from serious surgery on Thursday, his many friends – he
is well-known in Eldred, Bradford, Smethport, Rew, Cyclone and
other villages on the Hilltopðfor his caring attitude and
tremendous sense of humor – have an opportunity to show their
gratitude to Joe and his wife, Gloria, by attending a benefit in
his honor from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Hilltop Volunteer Fire
Department in Cyclone.

“After 15 years of helping others, this man needs us to do what
we can to help him,” said Sheffer, who isðorganizing the event.

Sheffer called the benefit a team effort. “All his friends are
pitching in to make this event a success.ðIt’s not just one person,
that’s for sure.”

Assisting Sheffer is Leah Hazlett of Smethport, whoðhas
scheduled a silent auction andðmade arrangements for the musical
entertainment. Greer Barr, Judy Barr and Jill and Doug Yinglingðare
the musicians set to appear.

Hazlett also noted, “Many people have agreed to donate baked
goods, and Myra’s in East Smethportðwill provide food.”

The Magees have three children:ðJoeðof South Carolina,ðCandyðof
Ephrata, and Steve, who lives near Candy in the Lancaster area.

Sheffer’s husband, Joe, recalled the incident about a month ago
when Magee became sick while helping a friend with house repairs in
Bradford.ð

Sheffer said, “Soon after telling the man that he did not feel
well, Joe passed out. He was taken to Bradford Regional Medical
Center and then flown to Hamot Hospital inðErie.ðLater, he was
released to await surgery and was homebound.ðThen, last Sunday,ðhe
was unable to open his eyes, and was immediately transported by
ambulance to Presbyterian Hospital.”ð

Joe Sheffer had an update on Magee on Thursday afternoon.

“The surgery was successful, but the first 24 hours are
critical,” he said.