"His Name Was Joe"

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing this article. There are certain people that enters our lives, and leaves an indelible mark upon our hearts that will last a lifetime. Such a person was Joe.

He was a big man, born February 4, 1919 in Altoona, Pa. Joe grew up in that generation where people carried their own weight, didn't complain, and never felt like everyone owed them something. He came from a family of two other brothers, and a sister, his mom and dad, and back then Altoona was a big railroad city, and would continue to be that for many years after. Joe grew up in an era where you ate what was on the table, and in the time when the family would all eat together, unlike it is today in our generation. Everything back then closed at 5:00 p.m. and folks would spend time together. Radio was the big media outlet in those days Joe when was growing up.

Joe graduated from Altoona High School in 1937, and went to work for the old Pennsylvania Railroad until WWII started in which he was off to the Army to serve his country. He never talked much about the war or his experiences, but you could tell he served his country with pride. The men and women of that time were patriotic from head to toe. They realized what was at stake, so they "sucked it up" and did what was required of them. Women worked in the factories making necessary war materials, and the young men enlisted, and went off to fight. Joe and his generation knew the true meaning of sacrifice, and with blood, sweat, and tears they led this country to victory.

After the war, it was back to Altoona, Pa. Joe went back to the railroad to work, got married, bought a house, and started raising a family. He was never one to complain about things. If something was broken, he fixed it. Had one automobile, never did have two, went to work everyday, enjoyed hunting season, was a big Pittsbugh Pirates, and Steeler fan, went on picnics, family reunions, and never got in anyone's business.

In fact Joe never said a whole lot, but when he did it made sense. He had a great sense of humor, and he never took things for granted. He had this perspective on life that you should be honest, work hard, don't complain, no one owes you anything, trust God, because life is short so don't mess it up. He never got excited about a problem, " because you can't think right when you get all upset", he would often say.

Joe lost a 3 yr. old son in 1963, but with such a great loss he still maintained his faith in God, and continued to walk on. It broke Joe's heart when he lost that boy, his knees buckled, but he never went down. He straightened up his big shoulders, wiped the tears from his eyes, took a deep breath, and continued on. Joe led by example as stated by a nephew years after Joe passed away. "Uncle Joe didn't say alot, he just lived his life in the open for everyone to see".

I spent quite a few years with Joe, learned many things, saw with my own eyes, and heard with my own ears the things Joe did and said. I got to laugh with Joe, hunt with Joe, play ball with Joe, was even put in line from Joe now and then, but Joe always did it because he loved me. I knew this guy named Joe, and I am proud that I could be part of his life, because you see, this guy named Joe was my dad.

Joe passed away Aug 1, 1989, but there isn't a day goes by that I don't think about Joe. Joe was a giant of a man who left his footprints in my heart, and I thank God that Joe was my Dad.