Joseph P. Gear Jr.

Major USMC-Retired Joseph P. Gear Jr, Major USMC-Retired, passed away in the twilight hours of April 13, 2007, at the age of 80. Our Dad was born in Phoenixville, Pa., to Joseph Patrick Sr. and Helen Marie Gear. He enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1944 at the age of 18 years. He trained as a machine gunner in Camp Lejeune, N.C., before being deployed to participate in the World War II campaign, specifically, the Battle of Iwo Jima. He completed his tour of duty in 1948 and returned to his hometown, Norristown, Pa., where he became a police officer. In 1950, the Korean campaign broke loose and he was recalled to active duty where he served as the platoon commander of the 1st Platoon of Fox Company, 2nd BN, 7th Marine Division. During this tour of duty, he was wounded, earning him the Purple Heart. Dad's final tours of duty with the 3rd Marine Division included Okinawa and South Vietnam. He was decorated on more than a dozen occasions in recognition of his exemplary service, valor and dedication to the Corps and his country. After 28 years of service, he retired from the Marine Corps and returned to law enforcement, serving another 20 years as a U.S. Capitol Policeman. His beat included protecting the Cannon and Rayburn buildings at the House of Representatives. Dad retired in 1991 after 44 years of government service. He settled into the quiet and beautiful surroundings of the home that he shared with his wife of more than 30 years, Barbara Ann, until her passing in 2004. Dad is survived by his sister, Eleanor Dickinson (Dave); his children, Jeanne D. Rosenthal (EJ), Patricia M. Smith, James P. Gear (Amira), Eleanor Gear and Christopher J. Gear (Tracie). He was adored by his grandchildren, Shelly, Amy (Mike), JP, Melany, Haleigh, Danielle, Hope, CJ and Ved; and a host of nieces and nephews. We will miss our Dad dearly - the man, the father, the grandpa and always, the Marine. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mountcastle Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City, VA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at noon at the Marine Memorial Chapel, Quantico Marine Corps base. Interment will follow in Quantico National Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made to Catholic Charities. Sign the guestbook at PotomacNews.com. ManassasJM.com.