Joseph Vale

GASTONIA - Joseph "Joe" John Vale, 89, of 3609 Southwood Drive, passed away on Aug. 28, 2016, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

A native of Montgomery County, Pa., he was the son of the late John and Madeline Seiscio Catanzaro.

He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during WWII, was educated in Metallurgy; worked in broadcasting, the steel industry, operated the first Honda Motorcycle dealership in Gastonia, was co-owner of Peppy's Italian Restaurant in Belmont, and later served as a creative assistant with Cairn Studios in Davidson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother John S. Valetta.

He was a long-time member of Lowell Lodge #590 A.F. & A.M a member of the Charlotte York Rite Bodies, the Scottish Rite Masonic bodies and the Oasis Shrine. In addition, Joe was very involved in the work of the York Rite Bodies on an international level, serving as General Grand Master of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International from 2008-2011.

He also was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church, Gastonia.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Eugenia "Genie" Vale; three sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey J. Vale and wife Susie of Gastonia, Mark J. Valletta and wife Jan of Raleigh, and James A. Valletta and wife Claire of Indiana, PA; daughter, Natasha Vale-Hill and husband Shane A. Hill of Raleigh; sister, Yvonne Petrecz of PA; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Jan Valletta of Charlotte; three nieces; and one great-niece.

Funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Rick Cloninger 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 in the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Gaston Memorial Park with full Masonic Rites. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation, P.O. Box 1489, Nashville, IN 47448-1489 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29603 or to the Charlotte York Rite Temple Building Fund, 1424 Woodberry Rd., Charlotte, N.C 28212 or to Bethesda United Methodist Church, 3714 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia, NC 28056. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia, NC are assisting the family. Condolence messages may be viewed and sent at www.mcleanfuneral.com.