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JOSEPH VOLZ Obituary
JOSEPH VOLZ
Joseph Volz died Saturday, May 23, 2020, following a stroke complicated by diabetes; he was 85. He discovered his career as a journalist in high school while covering sports for the Newark daily newspaper. He'd like to say "I've shut down six newspapers," including the Washington Star. In more than 30 years as an investigative journalist for the New York Daily News, Washington Star, Washington Daily News, and Newark News, Joe Volz covered everything from the police force to Watergate to the Pentagon. He ended his career as a columnist for the Copley News Service and the Frederick News-Post. Joe was a Pulitzer Prize finalist with the New York Daily News for his reporting on military preparedness. Joe was born in Newark, New Jersey on March 6, 1935. He graduated from Rutgers University. While awaiting his draft notice, he took a world tour visiting New Zealand, Australia, and Tahiti. While serving in Germany, he met his first wife, Helga Scharf. He is survived by his wife, Kate Bird, and children, Chris Volz (Hannah), Janet O'Shea (Benjamin), Chris Rigaux, Pam Rigaux (Cameron Gerlach), and Dan Rigaux (Stephanie). Other survivors include 12 grandchildren. A memorial service will take place in the future date. Donald B. Thompson Funeral Home, 31 E. Main St., Middletown, MD is in charge of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH VOLZ
Walter Wills
June 7, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of Doc's passing. We were in the cub scouts together in South Orange and our mothers were good friends and shared the duties required to be den mothers for a bunch of occasionally unruly boys. Somehow we survived those days and ended up alive and well in the class of '53 in Columbia high school.
Walt Wills
Carol Mastalerz
June 3, 2020
Dear Kate;
Very sad to hear of Joes death. I enjoyed having you both as neighbors. You two shared so many wonderful experiences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Mastalerz
Sharon A Dean
May 31, 2020
Dear Chris (Volz) and Kate,
I'm so saddened to hear about Joe's death. He was a very special man who was curious about everything and everyone. That makes a good writer and most of all a sensitive caring person. May you find comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his wonderful mom and dad. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sharon Dean
Mark Thompson
May 30, 2020
I fondly recall working alongside Joe at the Pentagon maybe 25 years ago or so. He was a heck of a reporter, and a joy to be around. My condolences to his family and friends.
Christopher H Bird
May 28, 2020
Joe was a human being. He always treated us with dignity and respect. He gave us insights into life that we hadn't seen before. His humor and intelligence was breath taking and never to be forgotten. Thanks Joe and Bon Voyage. Prayers for Katie and Family. Chris and Erika Bird
Dana Dunlevy
May 27, 2020
I am posting on behalf of my father, Thomas Lawlor, who was Doc's childhood friend, neighbor, and partner in crime as they tried to outrun the U.S. draft board on their trip around the world! My Dad speaks of their world-wide adventure's often, and bragged about Doc's career. He was proud to call him his friend. When I was thinking of pursuing a journalism career, Doc was kind enough to give me advice that I was too dumb to take. My father is greatly grieved by the loss of his life-long friend. I extend condolences on behalf of my Dad and the entire Lawlor family.
Susan Guynn
May 27, 2020
Pam and family,
Sorry to read about the passing of Joe. God's peace to you at this time.
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Thompson-Harman Funeral Home, P.A. - Middletown31 E Main St, Middletown, MD 21769
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