“That’s the thing about Ethan. He literally moved through this world with love and kindness. He just let it flow naturally from himself. He was the funniest damn kid I know. Always joking, laughing and being silly. He was the best part of life all of the time.” -Ethan’s Eulogy, by Leigh Joner

Ethan Joner was born to Leigh and Peter Joner in Folcroft PA on March 19, 2008, the third of four children. He was a healthy baby and brought so much joy to his family from the start. As he grew, he got involved with sports and fell in love with swimming and baseball. He liked video games and the beach and being with his family but most of all he loved making people happy. 

Ethan was a self described “gentle giant,” and that is a great description of who he was. He was always tall for his age and bigger than most of the other kids. Add in his wild, curly blonde hair and he was hard to miss in a crowd. Throughout his life, Ethan took time to help others. Whether he was helping a neighbor fix vandalized Christmas decorations, bringing home stray kittens and dogs, or befriending a new kid at the pool and playing with him for hours, Ethan was happy to help. He made the varsity baseball team at Academy Park but also helped coach tee-ball. He was one of the oldest kids on his swim team, but still helped the younger and newer kids at practice. This is who he was. Kindness and generosity wrapped up with a smile. 

Ethan dreamt of becoming a lifeguard and after turning 15, he immediately took the steps needed to become certified. He was so proud of himself for passing and getting hired at the Folcroft Swim Club. He took his job seriously and loved what he did. After working an early shift on July 13, 2023, he went unconscious in the pool and was rushed to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where he ultimately died from undiagnosed Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. 

After his passing, friends and family shared stories and memories of Ethan both recent and from years ago. It became apparent that Ethan was remembered by those who knew him for his kindness, his generosity, his humor and his good nature. Leigh and Pete decided they would not let Ethan’s impact on others end and instead formed the Ethan Joner Memorial Foundation to continue his legacy of helping others.