George Joseph

JOSEPH, George
Age 92, of Elmira, NY died, Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at St. Joseph's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. George was the son of John and Amelia Ward Joseph. He was predeceased by daughter Kathleen M. Onofre, sisters, Mary Williams, Adele Herrick and Jeanette Blampied, nephew, Willis E. Williams, Jr., and niece, Mary Ann Vicario. George was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mamie Aitchison Joseph; son and daughter-in-law, John T. and Karon Joseph of Benson NC; daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette E. and Joseph M. Capece of Elmira; son-in-law, Nicholas A. Onofre of Waverly; grandchildren, Christopher M. Onofre, George E. Joseph and Alex B. Joseph all of North Carolina; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Helen and William Batrowny of Elmira; several nieces, nephews and many dear friends. George was a 1937 graduate of EFA. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1940 and served with the 8th Air Force through WW II. He was involved with air campaigns in North Africa, Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. He flew 25 missions in a B17 Bomber. Upon returning to Elmira from WW II, George worked for several years at Remington Rand before going to work as a fireman with the City of Elmira in 1953. He retired in 1981 with 28 years of distinguished service. In 1979 George was named Elmira's "Fireman of the Year." George had many interests and the most important was his family with whom he cherished their times together. He was an outstanding athlete and enjoyed a life long involvement in sports. He played on the 1935 Championship EFA football team, and was an active participant in several sporting activities even at the age of 80. George also looked forward to planting and tending to his vegetable garden every year. The Joseph family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Micki Seymour and Joan Granger for the loving care they provided to our husband and father. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of W. Water and Walnut Streets, on Sunday, November 25, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 4:15 p.m. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Monday, November 26, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. and process to Woodlawn Cemetery for committal prayers and interment. Full military honors will be accorded at the cemetery.