Joseph James Wilkes

After graduating West Philadelphia Boys Catholic High School, Joseph earned degrees in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University. He also served 4 years in the US Navy during the Korean War.

Joseph married Barbara Louise Canniff (deceased 1969) and raised 5 children in Drexel Hill and Springfield, PA. He married Rosemarie Longley of Media in 1983. After retiring from his 30 year career as an electrical engineer at Philadelphia Electric, he moved to St. Michaels, MD; then to Nokomis, FL and finally to The Glenridge in Sarasota, FL. He attended the Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Osprey, FL, where he was a lay reader.

In his younger days, Joseph was a dedicated runner, running both half and full marathons, including the Boston Marathon when he was past 50. He enjoyed vacations at the Jersey shore with his family. An adventurous spirit, Joe embarked on a solo trip to Antarctica in addition to their multiples visits to Europe as a couple. He and his wife Rosemarie had a lifelong passion for learning, attending many Elderhostel studies. He enjoyed lively intellectual debate and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Joseph is survived by his wife Rosemarie, married 33 years. He was the beloved father of 5 children in the Philadelphia area: Christine Rowntree (Robert), Amy Colihan, Joseph Wilkes (Beverly), Thomas Wilkes (Emelie), and Pete Wilkes (Grace); he was also stepfather to the late Garth Longley of Phillipsburg, PA. He will be missed as the Grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Joseph was also the beloved brother of George Wilkes, FL; Paul Wilkes (Carol), FL; Mary Wilkes Southwick (Joseph, dec.), NJ; Bernardine Gervasi, dec. 1987 (Sam, dec.), NJ; and Joan Wilkes (dec. 1937).

Visitation will be held on Mon. Jul. 3, 2017 from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232 with interment to immediately follow with Navy Honor Guard.