He was born June 12, 1923 in Toronto, Ohio, he was the son of the late Frank and Rose (Gofus) Felkey. Joe attended Midland High School, leaving school, he enlisted in the Army where he served from 1942 until 1945 as a T5 with the 51 Signal Battalion working ahead of the troops laying the communication lines. During WWII his tour took him to Africa, Italy and Austria. He was very proud of being a WWII Veteran.
After returning home he worked for Crucible Steel from 1947 until he retired in 1989. During his 42 years at Crucible Steel, he attended the Metropolitan Institute for Electronics and Technology, known today as the Pittsburgh Technical Institute where he received his degree in Electronics.
He joined the American Legion in 1947. Serving more than three decades with the American Legion, Post 512, Village of Unionville, PA where he has worn many hats, from the Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Steward, to Commander then to his current rank with Post 512: JAG. It was not uncommon to see him fill in as the Steward to the janitor, where ever he was needed. He received the American Legion "Pot of Gold" award and a Certificate of Continuous Membership for 50 years in 2006, as well as he was inducted as the Beaver County Commander for many years. His continued dedication had him placing flags on the graves of veterans, working at the Legion Post 512 turkey shoot, to whatever activity or holiday, it was likely you would of seen him there. Joe was also a long time member with the VFW. Joe loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends, and there was never a family event that Joe missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Mary (Daniels) Felkey, his second wife, Margaret "Peg" (Bright) Felkey, his son Joseph "Joe" G. Felkey, whom he was very close with and his very special friend Ilo Loughner. Also preceded him in death was his six brothers; John "Johnny", Frank "Mo", Leonard, Richard "Rich", Theodore "Teddy", and Daniel "Dan", three sisters; Francis "Fran", Rosemary and Anna.
Joe is survived by his two daughters and their spouses; Catherine (Gary) McElwain, Rochester, and Anna Byrd, Chester, WV, daughter in law, Linda Felkey, Industry; five grandchildren and spouses; Shannon (Justin) McAfee, AZ, Marshall (Meina) Clark, Midland, Gary Allen (Melissa) McElwain, Industry, Amanda Felkey and (Phillip Schmitt), Brighton Twp., and Gregory (Mary) McElwain, Rochester. eleven great grandchildren and spouses; Keegan and Josephine McAfee, Jasmine (Jibree) Clark Oliver, Marah Clark, Garett and Austin McElwain, Megan and Morgan D'Itri, Evan Schmitt, Gabriella (Gabby) and Riley McElwain, and a sister in law Goldie Felkey of Midland.
Friends will be received on Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8pm and funeral services, including full military honors, will be held on Friday at 11am at the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum).
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