Joseph J. Velky D.D.S.

On January 13, 2014 Joseph J. Velky, D.D.S. of Catonsville passed away. Beloved husband for 67 years of the late Jean Marie Velky. Loving father of Joseph Velky (late Andrea), James Velky (Kathie), Jeana Marquardt (Skip), Jeff Velky (Regina), JoAnn Szarko (Mike), and the late Dona Jo Velky. One of eleven brothers and sisters; survived by Ted Velky, Lenny Velky, Irene Salata, and Betty Gido. Cherished grandfather of Brad, Emily, Jessica (Perry), Amanda, Bryan, Stephanie, Tyler, Sophie, Palmer, and Adam. Great-grandfather of Logan.

Joe grew up with simple means in the coal mining town of Harwood, PA. He received a full football scholarship to Mount St. Mary's University where, in three years, he earned his B.S. in chemistry. Motivated by the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he joined the Navy and became Lieutenant Senior Grade serving in the European, Asian, and African Theatres in WWII. After returning home, he married his hometown "gal", Jean. He taught chemistry at Cleveland State for a year, then returned back to the Mount to teach chemistry and to coach football. Joe and Jean finally settled in Catonsville, where Joe earned a D.D.S. from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1954. He liked to refer to himself as "Keeper of the Ivory".

Joe was a volunteer at heart, serving as President of the Catonsville Lions Club and of the Baltimore County Dental Association. He loved the years he spent as a brother with the Knights of Columbus. Joe volunteered his dental services weekly to the residents of St. Martins Home in Catonsville as well as to other community residents in need and was instrumental in creating protective mouth guards for his beloved Baltimore Colts.

Pop was a man with many talents and hobbies, but his love of family and friends was always top on his list. His retired life was spent enjoying fishing the bay on the "Twin V's" with his partner in crime, Frank. When not on the water, he could be found cooking or gardening. He and Jean also enjoyed many travels together. He was a great teacher of life and did all these things with his family by his side. Pop's lessons were always accompanied by a side of wit and humor. Easter egg hunts included treats, along with a chore note, like "do the dishes" or "wash Gramma's car".

He was a remarkable role model who showed honor, courage, wisdom, self-sacrifice, commitment, humor, and above all, respect. Every conversation with Pop began with him asking, "What can I do for you?", and he really meant it.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Sterling Ashton Schwab Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., 1630 Edmondson Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228 on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6:30 to 8:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark’s Chapel, 27 Melvin Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228 on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 9:45am. Interment Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Martin’s Home at 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228 or to the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association.