Joseph Boccagno Obituary


Major Joseph Boccagno, age 82 years, of Muhlenberg Twp., passed away Tuesday, November 20th, at his residence.

Son of the late Angelo and Rose Boccagno, he was born in Reading, PA on December 15, 1929.

Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Army after leaving Reading High School, on December 15, 1946 and attended the U.S. Army Ordinance School, Atlanta, GA. He served as an enlisted infantryman for 11 years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. As an enlisted person, he served in Yong San, Korea from June 1947 to January 1949 and then was transferred to Yokohama, Japan.

When the Korean War began he was transferred to the 8th Army Headquarters, in Yong San, Korea, serving there from July 1950 to September 1951. He subsequently served served in Schweinfurt, Germany, with the 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division from 1953-1955 and then C Company, 16th Infantry from July 1955 to July 1957, where he was promoted to Sergeant First Class.

Sergeant Boccagno graduated Second Lieutenant from the Infantry Officer Candidate School in July 1957 at Ft. Benning, Georgia and was assigned to B Company, 4th Infantry, Ft. Devens, Massachusetts, serving there from 1958 to 1960. As First Lieutenant he was transferred to Camp Zama, Japan to serve as Company Commander of the U.S. Signal Agency, Japan from 1960 to 1964 and then was promoted to Captain in May of 1961.

Captain Boccagno graduated from the Advanced Infantry Career Officer's course, Ft. Benning, Georgia in 1964 and was assigned to the Reserve Advisory Group, Edison, NJ until June 1965. He was deployed to Lai Khe, Vietnam in August 1965 where he served with the 1st Battalion, C Company, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. In October 1966 he was reassigned to the Reserve Advisory Group, Edison, NJ. He was promoted to Major in November of 1966 and retired July 1, 1970.

Major Joseph Boccagno received the Silver Star for gallantry in action, November 1966, Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat, November 1965, Air Medal, in 1966 and Combat Infantry Badge, October 1965.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 62 years, Katherine M. (Yamamoto) Boccagno, five sons, Joseph and wife, Sherry, Furlonge, Pa.; Daniel and wife, Shennie, Washington, DC; Frank and wife, Barbara, Ephrata, Pa.; Dr. Phillip Boccagno and wife, Mary Ann, Clarks Summit, PA; Steve and companion, Alexis, Phoenix, AZ; as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He is survived by sisters, Rose Colamarino and Gloria Saltzman. He was preceded in death by brothers, Frank and Patrick.

He was a member of Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, Laureldale. He served as past Vice President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 131, was a longtime member of DAV Chapter 10, member of the Berks County Veterans Advisory Committee, was a Charter member and past President of Pennsylvania War Veterans Association and a volunteer at the Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs. He was inducted into the Berks County Military Hall of Fame and was a mentor and friend to all veterans.

Friends are invited to call Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM at the John P. Feeney Funeral Home. Religious services will follow at 1 PM. Interment will be Tuesday at 2 PM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, PA. Friends are invited to gather from 12:15 to 12:45 PM for procession. His services will be web broadcast on our website, address below,on Saturday starting at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to VVA Chapter 131, PO Box 13735, Reading, PA 19612-3735.

Arrangements entrusted to the John P. Feeney Funeral Home, in Reading's Centre Park Historic District, 625 N. 4th St. at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601.

Obituary, condolences, web broadcast and directions at www.johnfeeneyfuneralhome.com.



Published by Reading Eagle on Nov. 22, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Boccagno

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I only knew of Joseph through his son, Frank. I knew that him father was in the military, but didn't appreciate his accomplishments until reading his obituary. I regret now not having taken the time to learn what he had done while I had the opportunity. Like so many veterans of his time, we owe much to them and I salute him now and offer my deepest condolences to the family in their time of loss.

Gerry Klemm

December 2, 2012

The CESARE family sends their deepest condolences. He was truly a great American.

Lou, Denise, Ashley, and Gabby

November 28, 2012

I am sorry for your loss.

Scott from Abington

November 26, 2012

Phil--very sorry for ur loss, you & ur family r in my prayers

Larry Nicolais & Family

November 25, 2012

u n your wife have been my favorite customers always with smiles on ur face n warm caring hearts.. i will miss ur convos when u come in with did u get me my chicken n coffee while my wife is spending all my money... :) i will always remember u n it will not be the same around the store... i will keep u in my prayers along with ur wife... rip joseph...

brittany stoudt

November 25, 2012

Deepest sympathy to the entire Boccagno family. Joe and his wife always came shopping at Ross, the store I work at. I always said that I loved them as a couple and they were so sweet. In the 5 years I worked at Ross I would see them both at least once a week with Monday of last week being the last. He was a true character and I always enjoyed talking to him and always spoke about his children. Thinking of his family at this sad time.

Megan Klemm

November 25, 2012

My deepest condolence to the Boccagno family on the loss of this great American. He was a true family man with high standards. May God Bless the family and may you all be at peace with his passing.

Joe Nangle

November 24, 2012

Joe was always making you feel like a close friend, and doing whatever he could to help others. I will miss you Joe.

Gary Walter

November 24, 2012

Joe will always be remembered as one of my favorite customers - such a pleasure to see him stroll in, usually bright and early on a Monday morning. My favorite memory will be of the day he and Mr Mancias stopped in together for a cup of coffee. Thinking of all in his family during this sad time. He was so proud of you.

Denise Drobnick

November 24, 2012

My deepest sympathy.

Janice (Clay) Pickett

November 23, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the Boccagno family. May God bless you and be with you at this sorrowful time.

Diane and Robert Fridley

November 23, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mr.& Mrs Robert Grisko

November 23, 2012

I worked with Joe at the Post Office. He was a good man. Sorry for your loss.

Dave Henke

November 23, 2012

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation and an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one, if you wish for a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salutes, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, please send your request to:
Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry
1206 6th St SW
Minot, ND 58701
Or click on CONTACT ME to email your mailing address for which card be mailed to.

This service is free to all veteran families. I wish to thank you for your serving from one veteran to another – Thanks!

Chaplain Richard Reuer

November 23, 2012

We write this note with deepest sympathy to the Boccagno family. Not until we saw the photo in the Reading Eagle did we realize the strong family resemblance to Dr. Phil. Dr. Phil is married to our cousin Mary Ann Dalbo.
God be with you in this sorrowful time.
Pete and Sandra Chisdock

sandra chisdock

November 22, 2012

With deepest sympathy to Kate and family. We used to be neighbors back in the late 1980's.
He will be sadly missed by all.
Grant and Carol Parker

Grant and Carol Parker

November 22, 2012

Joe I want to thank you for being such a special friend to me especially when I lost my father, and took me under your wing helping to get my disability. My whole family will miss you. Loved working with you on the golf tournaments and dances for the VVA . Our prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow.

Bruce, Claudia and Jennifer Shuman

November 22, 2012

Joe you will be greatly missed. My son and husband enjoyed marching in parades with you, my son loved the candy he always shared. He will be truley missed at the VV dance he and kay worked so hard to make a success. Our prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow. Truley loved greatly missed.

Joyce, Glenn and Jarod Spannuth

November 22, 2012

As fellow veterans my husband and I only knew Joe for a short period of time. He was soft spoken, had a warm manner and loved his country. We will always remember him as a fine and gracious gentleman soldier; it was an honor and privilege to know him. We can not find words to ease your sorrow and hurt, except for God Bless You and Keep You Safe. Robert and Michel Ramsey

November 22, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 22, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 22, 2012

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