Born on March 1, 1918, in Pittsburgh, PA, Joe survived some tough early years. He grew up in Youngstown, OH, and lost both parents by age two. He set forth on his own at the tender age of 14, jumping a train with a friend to do traveling farm labor in the Southwest. Joe also spent part of his life in Newark, NJ, working in family delis and bakeries. Next, he trained at Fort Bragg, NC, serving in the Army during WW II from 1942 to 1945. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Following the war, Joe moved to NC to work for the IRS as an auditor, and then started his accounting firm, J.E. Dickey & Co. in Greensboro. Joe got his start helping small Greek diners downtown, and his business grew from there. He was in business for over 30 years. Joe was an active member of the Exchange Club, and in 1976, he served as the President of the NC Society of Accountants.
In 1958, Joe married his sweetheart Mary Andrews, who was from Sparta, NC. He was definitely lucky in love.
After retirement, Joe and Mary traveled extensively to China, Europe, and throughout the U.S. After losing his wife in 2004, Joe lived with caregiving from son Kevin for almost 15 more years. They made a great team along with Joe's faithful dog Sammi. They enjoyed sporting events, the golf course, eating out, and generally just goofing off together.
Joe was highly energetic, tenacious, and basically an unstoppable force. Unbelievably, he smoked for 66 years, yet lived to be almost 101. This tough soldier beat pneumonia over 20 times, finally succumbing to congestive heart failure.
On Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, Joe was taken home to be with family and Sammi to prepare him for his journey back to his sweetheart in Heaven. Despite an impending severe snowstorm, Father Bill from St. Mary's Catholic Church was able to perform the Last Rites for Joseph. This was extremely important to him.
Joseph passed away peacefully while asleep at home with his loved ones comforting him. The family is grateful for his gentle passing with no suffering.
Joseph is survived by his children, Kevin, Denise (Hans), and Kent (Helga), and his grandchildren Kristina and Kent.
At ease, soldier. Mission accomplished.
Joseph's life will be celebrated at 3 PM, Friday, December 14, 2018 in the chapel of the colonial mausoleum at Westminster Gardens Cemetery officiated by Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, Thursday, December 13 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
