Cpl. Joseph R. Tiscia Jr., USMC – decorated Vietnam Veteran; beloved son, brother, husband and father – passed away Saturday April 10, 2021. Born to Joseph R. Tiscia Sr. and Helen Makris Tiscia on September 15, 1943 in Memphis TN, Joe was a Christian Brothers alumnus (Class of ’62) and attended Memphis State University.
Joe volunteered to join the U.S. Marine Corp in 1967, and was severely injured in combat on February 7, 1968, in the Battle for Hue City during the Tet Offensive. He was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions that day.
Joe worked for the USDA as a Meat Inspector for 41 years. After 9/11, Joe joined the Tennessee State Guard where he received the Alvin C. York Award for his distinguished service. He also became active in the Walter R. Singleton Marine Corps League and served in several offices for them. He was elected to the CBHS Hall of Fame.
Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Overholser Tiscia; his two daughters, Helena (Lainie) Tiscia and Lauren Tiscia Gillespie; his 3 siblings, Paul Tiscia (deceased), Andrea Tiscia Farrell, and Mary Anne Tiscia French; and several nieces and nephews.
Throughout his life, Joe dearly loved the Singleton Marine Corps League and his alma mater, Christian Brothers HS. Donations can be made in his memory to the school online at cbhs.org.
Semper Fi
A service will be held in Honor of his Life at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene, Memphis, TN 38125 on Thursday, April 22 at 2:00pm.
