After leaving school Joe enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam as an Infantryman. During his tours Joe earned the Bronze Star with Combat “V” as well as two Purple Hearts. Joe’s additional awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Stars. Joe received many other awards including the Good Conduct Medal with 6 Stars. Many of his closest friends who know him well think the Good Conduct Medal was his greatest achievement.
After his last tour in Vietnam he returned to Brooklyn where he met the love of his life Christine (Chris) Mary Lang Gallo. Shortly thereafter they married and began their life together until her death on 25 August 2013.
Joe continued his military career with tours in recruiting, and audio visual support. Joe graduated from the University of Southern California Film School. Joe is well known for his wildlife footage aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, including support of a documentary for National Geographic. Joe retired from the USMC in December of 1987. Joe continued working for Onslow County and the State of NC as an Enforcement Officer.
Everyone who knows Joe understood his two loves; first his grandchildren, Jack Roher and Rebekah Maiakowski, and second his love of hunting and the outdoors. He spent much of his time at Howells Woods in Johnston County as a Management Partner.
Joe Passed away at his home after a successful hunting trip on 16 Feb 2020. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Chris and is survived by his daughter Elizabeth and his grandchildren Jack and Rebekah. To all of those close to Joe, we will miss him greatly, but we can take solace that he and Chris are together again!
A Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 2:00pm at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC.
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