Joseph L. Argenzio Jr.

ARGENZIO - Joseph L. Jr., 82, of Lake of the Woods, Locust Grove, VA, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA. Joe was born in New York City on June 8, 1927 to Joseph L. Argenzio Sr., and Jeannie Argenzio (nee Hodgert). Joe is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan (nee Rodnite) sister, Gloria Greifenstein; his beloved children Peter, Deborah, Ellen (Dave) and Joan (Jay); grandchildren, Jason, Peter, Thomas, Joseph, Ryan, Andrew and Katie, great grandfather of 7. He leaves many cherished friends and family. Joe honorably served his country during WWII, a proud soldier of the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One), 16th Infantry Regiment. Joe entered the army on September 14, 1944, at 16 years of age, altering his birth certificate to be eligible to serve. His first tour of duty was D-Day, landing in the first wave on Omaha Beach. He fought his way across Europe, The Battlef the Bulge, the Rhine Crossing, the Huertgen Forest, and the liberation of the concentration camp at Falkenau, Czechoslovakia. Decorations awarded for these campaigns include 2 Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge, and 2 Bronze Stars. He later became a drummer in the Army's Regimental Band. In 2008, in recognition of his participation in the invasion of Normandy, Joe was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal at the French Embassy in Washington D.C. After leaving military service, Joe and family settled in Baldwin, Long Island. He worked for the U.S. Department of Defense for thirty-three years then transferred to the U.S Department of State from which he retired in 1984. He joined the Baldwin Volunteer Fire Department in 1963 and served as a firefighter and Fire Commissioner. He started and instructed the Baldwin Fire Department Drum and Bugle Corps, comprised of aspiring youngsters, including his three daughters. He lived by, and taught his hildren to live by the Argenzio family motto 'Loyalty to Family, God and Country'. After retiring, he enjoyed his golf game and spending time with family and friends. In 1994, he and Joan moved to Lake of the Woods, VA. Joe joined the LOW Fire and Rescue, was named an Honorary Chief, and served as Vice-President and President of the Board. He organized the annual 4th of July Parade and Festival for many years. He was a member of LOW Veterans and Knights of Columbus. To honor the sacrifices and memories of all WWII veterans, Joe decided to reach out to local students and organizations, sharing his memories and experiences of being a young soldier in a war torn world. He imparted his philosophy in the honor of serving our country, keeping the history and sacrifices of WWII veterans and their stories alive. At ease brave soldier, now rest. Viewing will be held Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Home, 31440 Constitution Highway, Locust Grove,A. Viewing hours are 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm. Celebration of life Mass Friday, April 23, 2010, 11:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 9149 Ely's Ford Road, Fredericksburg, VA. Internment at Arlington National Cemetery, 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 18, 2010. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LOW Fire and Rescue Dept. 104 Lakeview Parkway, Locust Grove, VA 22508 or the 16th Infantry Regiment Association, 25830 Hidden Acres Dr., Westlake, OH 44145-4711.