Joseph Bridgeforth

BRIDGEFORTH Mr. Joseph A. Bridgeforth, a long time resident of Alama-gordo New Mexico, entered eternal life on Feburary 28th, 2012. Joey was born on March 9th 1934 and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut by his parents Mr. Edward and Mrs. Viola Bridgeforth. Joey was educated in the Bridgeport school systems and graduated Bassick High School. Joey entered the army in September 1952 as a paratrooper and served his country until 1955. Joey went back to his hometown of Bridgeport where he became one of the first African American toll collectors for the Meritt Parkway in Greenwich Ct. paving the way for African Americans to work in the toll division in Connecticut. He later became Supervisor then Superintendant of the Stratford tolls in Connecticut. In the same time period, Joey also became one of the first African Americans in Bridgeport Ct. to be employed, trained and worked as a certified auto break mechanic for Sears. Again paving the way for African Americans in that field in Bridgeport Ct. After retiring, Joey relocated to Alamagordo New Mexico where he became an Ambassador Tour Guide for the NASA Space Museum where he was awarded many certificates and awards for his vast knowledge and dedication to service. Joey is predeceased by his father, Edward Bridgeforth, mother Viola Bridgeforth, brother, Edward Bridgeforth Jr., sister-in-law, Lorraine Bridgeforth, sisters, Jackie Garris-Williams, Shirley Bridgeforth and Deloris Peterson. He is survived by his brother Frank Bridgeforth, of Stratford Ct., sister Cedalice Perry of Bridgeport Ct., and sister-in-law, Louise Bridgeforth, of Linden New Jersey. His children, Joseph Bridgeforth of Brocton Ma., Michael Bridgeforth of Oceanside Ca. and Deborah Bridgeforth of Severn Md., grandchildren, Joseph Bridgeforth, Charles Bridgeforth and Delacey Crump of Severn Md. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loyal and long treasured friends. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Connecticut. Joey's favorite quote; "For whom the bell tolls, the bell tolls for thee." Condolences to be submitted to: Riverside Funeral Home 225 San Mateo NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108