Joseph-Acton-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Frye Funeral Home, Inc.

Joseph F. Acton

Monongahela, Pennsylvania

1924 - 2014

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DIED
July 7, 2014
LOCATION
Monongahela, Pennsylvania

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Frye Funeral Home, Inc. Obituary

Joseph F. Acton, 90, of Monongahela, passed away July 7, 2014, on his 90th birthday. He was born in Monongahela, on July 7, 1924.Following his graduation from Monongahela High School, he answered the call of his country and joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, spending three and a half years in the South Pacific aboard a sub chaser. Discharged in 1946, he remained in the Navy Reserves and was recalled to duty in 1951 for the Korean War, spending the next three years aboard an aircraft carrier. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he went to work in Monessen for Page Steel and Wire. After 30 years of service the plant closed, and in 1972 he began his employment with Westinghouse in West Mifflin, ultimately retiring in 1993. During his working years he attended night school at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh where he received an associate?s degree in business management. After Joe retired, he was employed by the L.M. Frye Funeral Home Inc. where he worked as an attendant for over sixteen years. In 1957, he married Athalia Noble and settled in New Eagle, where he served on the New Eagle Authority for 37 years. After 33 years of marriage, Athalia passed away in 1990. In 1997, Joe married Mary Namie Solomon and relocated to Monongahela. Joe was a long-time member of the Episcopal Church in Monongahela, and later the True Vine Anglican Church serving as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and member of the church vestry and choir. Simultaneously, he was also a member of St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church in Monessen where he was a trustee and choir member. Joe was a past Commander of American Legion Post 28 in Monessen and also a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as Commander of the Mid Mon Valley Shipmates, a local organization formed for ex-Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Veterans. On July 1, 2014, the shipmates bestowed Joe with Life Membership honors. He was also a member of the Monongahela B.P.O. Elks Lodge #455.
In 1965, Joe was initiated into Henry M. Phillips Lodge No. 337 in Monongahela, becoming Worshipful Master in 1971. In 1972, he was installed and became the longest reigning treasurer of the Lodge. He was a member of the Valley of Pittsburgh (Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite) and presided over the Pittsburgh Chapter of Rose Croix. In 1997 Joe was awarded one of the most prestigious Masonic honors when he was coroneted a 33rd Degree Mason in Grand Rapids, MI. He served the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as District Deputy Grand Master from 1985 to 1994, and also served on the Masonic Education Committee and the Library Committee of the Grand Lodge. In 2007, Joe received the Outstanding Service Award from Right Worshipful Grand Master Ronald Aungst. He was also active in a variety of other Masonic bodies. Joe was preceded in death by parents Joseph Mathew Acton and Julia Pastori Schiefer and brother Lawrence.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Solomon Acton; brother William (Letha Joy) Acton of Michigan; and sister Mary (John) Peters of the state of California; seven stepchildren, Sondra (Larry) Marche, Cynthia Solomon, Michael Solomon, Thomas (Rosemary) Solomon, David (Marilyn) Solomon, George Solomon and Mary Kay Borowski. Joe has six grandchildren by his marriage to Mary: Christopher (Macrina), Michael, Megan, Thomas and George Solomon and Rachel Borowski. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. Throughout his long and active life, Joe was a respected mentor, advocate, leader and friend to all who knew him. Joe?s years of service made him a pillar of the community. His legacy is great and he will be remembered and missed by many.
Friends will be received Wednesday, July 9, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and Thursday, July 10, from 5-8 pm in the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 W. Main Street, Monongahela. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am in True Vine Anglican Church with the Rev. John Fierro officiating. Interment will follow in the Monongahela Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to True Vine Anglican Church, PO Box 151, Monongahela, PA 15063 or to St. Michael?s Antiochian Orthodox Church, PO Box 207, Monessen, PA 15062-0207. The Monongahela B.P.O. Elks Lodge #455 will conduct services on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates will conduct a two-bell ceremony Thursday evening at 6:30 pm followed by masonic services by the Henry M. Phillips Lodge No. 337 at 7:00 pm. All services will be held in the funeral home.

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A great man who gave so generously of himself to so many. He was a friend to all and we all adored him. May his memory be eternal.

One of the sweetest uncles a girl could ever have. I will miss him terribly, but I know I will see him again. Love you a whole bunch Uncle Joe.

I'm so sorry to hear about Joe. Growing up we were at his home often and were very close. He and my dad, Richard Ackman, were cousins and were able to visit the last time he was in PA. Joe was a wonderful person and I'm sure he has received his eternal reward as my dad did this past Easter. When we noticed he was absent from the Memorial Day parade we wondered about his health. May God comfort and strengthen you through this sad time but give you peace in knowing he is with Him.
Terri...

Dear Joe, Mary, and Family,

All who knew you were saddened to hear of your passing. Your selfless contributions to your friends and family will be long remembered.
I first met you when you were the D.D.G.M and I was advancing through the "chairs" in Monessen Lodge No. 638. The way you conducted yourself in that office was a credit to Freemasonry and left a lasting and positive impression on me for the remainder of our fraternal friendship. Our paths would cross many...

Mary,
I read the news the other day and my heart just broke for you. You and Joe are two of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever met in my life. You help me so much in hte masonic world when Keith and I started dating. I am so thankful for that. Joe always had the best hugs and a smile for everyone. I will miss him so much.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Love you!

It was my good fortune to serve in the Rose Croix line with Joe, and to perform with him in The Story of the Crucifixion. He was always cheerful, friendly, outgoing and enthusiastic; a delight to be with. For me it was both a pleasure and a privilege to have known and worked with such a fine gentleman.

I have fond memories of Joe when we served on the USS Tarawa (CV-40) in the early fifties. That relationship emerged again in the late 90s when we were both active members of the OI Division Veterans' League. Joe and Mary were always a well-loved, devoted couple amongst us "old salts." You both are in our thoughts and prayers and will remain there. With love to you and your family, Mary...

Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Bob and Joyce Matthews (LOH).

We treasure the memory of your friendship and your upbeat personality will be greatly missed .