Joseph W. Begg

He was born in Washington, D.C. His mother was Joan Vessa Begg and his father George B. Begg. He was one of six children. His mother died at an early age and his father remarried a widow Catherine Beck Fantom who had 5 children. Growing up in a home of 13 people was instrumental in his education and formation. Joe was described by one of his brothers as a Renaissance Man. He had an insatiable curiosity, a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. He often spoke of the ABC’s of life, his goal was to live a life of altruism, beauty and creativity.

In his early work life, Joe worked at Montgomery College, he then worked in telecommunications for over 35 years, after retirement, he volunteered for the AARP Foundation where he crafted his own job description and then was hired and worked for 10 years until he retired in June of 2021. After learning of Joe’s death, one of his colleague’s from AARP honored him with this reflection: “Joe was not just a colleague, but a mentor, a friend and someone whose impact went beyond titles and roles. Joe’s loss reminds us of the strength of sharing knowledge, and leading by example. Sometimes the most profound leadership comes from those who quietly but profoundly touch the lives of others.”

Throughout his life Joe had many interests and pursued them with passion and determination. There was nothing he could not accomplish, He studied philosophy, wrote poetry, enjoyed music, he furnished his home with the furniture that he made, he was a wine enthusiast and read over 110 books on wine, he loved travel, adventures, nature and hiking. Although he died at the age of 68 the fullness of his life exceeded the normal lifespan.

Joe’s personal and professional achievements were immense but he will be remembered the most for his character. He was a man of humility, kindness, generosity, patience, honesty, integrity, and gentleness. He was loved by many and will be missed so deeply.

His memory will live on in his beloved wife Teresa Acquaviva; his brothers and sisters Reverend Christopher Begg, John Begg (Ellen), Mary Begg, Joan Frances Smith (Gene Brown), Jim Begg (Loretta), Carole Bergmann (Paul), Mary Helen Knapp (the late Jerry Knapp), John Fantom (Laura), Elizabeth Hackley (Piers), Herman Joseph Fantom (Susan), his brother-in-law Tony Acquaviva, his sister-in-law Barbara Acquaviva, and many nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, mentees, and neighbors.

Visitation at the Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD on Wednesday November 8 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Catherine Laboure Church, 11801 Claridge Rd., Wheaton MD on Thursday November 9 at 2 pm. Following the funeral Mass there will be a Celebration of Life Reception at Brookside Gardens Visitor Center, 1800 Glenallen Ave. Wheaton, MD 20902. Interment attended by family to occur at future date.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to mumhelp.org a local community organization whose mission is to provide emergency food and assistance to people in crisis.