Joseph "Joe" was born on March 18, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up in the Mount Airy neighborhood where he attended St. Raymond of Penafort Church and School. He graduated from LaSalle College High School in 1967. He graduated from Temple University, Class of 1971 with a BA degree in Liberal Arts/Political Science/American History majors. His career ranged from real estate, vocational teaching, but mostly in the home center industry.
He was active in various community service organizations such as becoming 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) and a communicant of Saint Frances Cabrini Parish in Fairless Hills, PA.
Joe's hobbies included American Flyer trains and vintage cars. He especially enjoyed traveling to foreign and domestic destinations with his wife, Catena and close friends.
Joe was a kind, generous and supportive friend to many people he would meet over the years. He was always quick to offer help and share his experience and knowledge when needed for any situation that presented itself.
His unexpected death, after a brief but intense illness was a shock to all who knew him as a strong, active, healthy person for all of his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Joe is survived by his wife of 45 years, Catena Marie Spiritosanto; his brother, John Chernich (Lori) of Mohnton, PA; niece, Jessica; and numerous cousins, including Joan Marie and Michael Ryan of Indiana.
He was a brother-in-law and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, Kathryne M. (Ryan) and Joseph A. Clapham; his sister, Denice Clapham, all of Philadelphia, PA; and a cousin Patrick Ryan.
Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, September 24, 2033, from 1:00 until 3:00 pm at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 25, 2023, 9:30 am, at Saint Frances Cabrini Church, 325 South Oxford Valley Road, Fairless Hills, followed by the Rite of Committal in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.
