Joseph F. Washington

Washington, Joseph F., 75, Richland Township. Died  September 29, 2011, at Windber Hospice. Born August 25, 1936, in Daisytown. Son of Edgar J. and Marie T. (Neisner) Washington. Preceded in death by, parents; grandson, Shane D. Schmidt; brother Edward H. and sisters; Donna L. Galasso and Nancy L. Washington. Survived by wife of 56 years, Elizabeth “Bettie” Slick; and children; Robin T. Washington, Harriet, AR; Patricia J., wife of Carl A. Wonders, Gettysburg, Pa.; and Joseph F. Jr., married to the former Bonni Carey, Gettysburg, Pa.; grandchildren, David G. Schmidt, Jessica L. Schmidt, Dianna R. Clark, Rachel L. Wonders, Catherine E. Osborne, Hannah M. Wonders and Sarah G. Wonders, Eric M. Shank, Brian C. Shank, Maria E. Washington, Cory R. Kuhn and Alyssa J. Kuhn; great grandchildren; Benjamin, Austin, Alexis, Grant, Elise and Jack. Brother of Raymond E. married to the former Debbie Freidhoff and Judith A. Hewitt, both of Johnstown. Also numerous nieces and nephews, former son in law, David Schmidt and former daughter in law, Connie Coyle. 1954 graduate of Johnstown High School. Retired as a Journeyman Machinist. Managed  Crichton Manufacturing for 32 years. Joe was a Life Member of Solomon Run Vol. Fire Co. serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He was a member of Life Flight Safety Program , and instructor for American Red Cross and American Heart Assoc. Member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown, where he served as Eucharistic Minister. Also member of K.of C. Council #467, Color Corps, All Saints Assembly and International Order of Alhambra, Vigo Caravan, #151. Joe was Oblate of St. Benedict, affiliated with St. Vincent Archabbey and Johnstown-Altoona Cursillo. An insurance agent for the Knights of Columbus and Real Estate agent with Century 21 All Services.  A devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother who shared his faith by making rosaries as gifts and visiting the prisons. Friends received 1-4 and 6-8 pm Sunday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Vigil Service will be held. Funeral Mass at 10 am Monday at St. Benedict Church. Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. Committal at Oak Cemetery. Family suggests donations to Windber Hospice or St. Benedict Church in memory of Joseph F. Washington. (Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)