Joe was a man about town: he liked people and people liked him. He was a born storyteller and a terrific cook; “Joe’s Soups and Stories” as his cooking apron said. He spent most of his career dealing with technology; a software engineer for Verizon who was able to retire young. He spent the next 16 years as a code enforcement officer for Maple Shade. He loved it, if for no other reason than it gave him an excuse to interact with his fellow residents. Joe could turn a wrench with the best of them and he loved old cars. He combined the two and built a beautiful 1965 F100. It would earn 38 trophies at various shows over the years. He tinkered with just about anything mechanical and had an affinity for clocks. Joe liked things neat and tidy: a place for everything and everything in its place. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the Navy and served our nation aboard the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. If his T.V was on he’d be delving into some history, forensics, classic sitcoms or taking in one of the auto auctions. Later years found him doing a little travelling to Alaska, Ireland and the Outer Banks. But his favorite place was probably the Jersey shore, especially Ocean City and Strathmere. He was born and raised in Kensington and moved to Maple Shade in 1974.
He’d meet a pretty girl named Dawn on the beach in North Wildwood. Their 51-year marriage was blessed by two children, John (Janine) and Cristina Armstrong (Noel III); and later by grandchildren, Riley, Noel Armstrong IV, and the late Jackson. He is survived by his sisters, Joanne (Robert) Englert and Donna (Alan) Link.
Come celebrate 74 great years Thursday February 22, 8:30-10 a.m. at Mark C Tilghman Funeral Home, 38 North Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, where there will be a 10 a.m. service. Interment to follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Cemetery, Wrightstown NJ. In lieu of flowers donations to Jackson’s Wish (helpjacksonswish.org) 2000 Market Street, Suite 910, Philadelphia PA 19103 will be appreciated.
5 Comments
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe for several years. I first met him when he and several Maple Shade car buddies rode on a bus trip I used to run to the Carlisle Car show. Later I joined him and his friends at the Wednesday night Rita’s cruise night. Joe will be sorely missed, he was one of the “good guys”.
John and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He sounds like a really cool guy.
We wish you peace in this difficult time.
condolences to you and the rest of your family on the loss of your dad. I’m sure his passing was peaceful as he was surrounded by those he loved.
Joseph was a true American possessing all the values of what we call a good husband , a good citizen, and a good friend. I am so happy that I got to be his friend. May he rest on Eagles Wings in the home of our Creator in Heaven. May he rest in peace.
Joe was the greatest person I’ve ever met. Kind, intelligent, no non sense.