Watervliet – Joseph D. Anthony, a true patriot and loving husband, father, and friend, passed away at the age of 88 to be with the Lord on August 14, 2016. At home and alongside his beautiful wife of 68 years, he lost his fight against kidney disease. Rarely does a person have such brilliance and compassion for living as demonstrated by Joe. He even sang to his nurses and kept a smile on his face until he fell into a deep sleep in preparation of his trip to Heaven. He lived “A Wonderful Life” with his wife, Eleanor Mori Anthony. They were inseparable high school sweethearts who were living the dream.

In 1945, at the age of 17, Joe lied about his age so that he could join the United States Navy during World War II. He became a Medical Corpsman stationed at the San Diego Naval Hospital where he was in charge of the Thoracic Wound Ward, as well as serving on the hospital ship, USS Hope. Following the war, he was a manager at Allegheny Ludlum Steel in Watervliet and later worked as a Specialized Heat Treater Supervisor at Adirondack Steel.

One of Joe’s many passions was traveling the countryside with his beloved wife in their motorhome. They made extensive cross-country trips together, taking in all of the wonders that our “America the Beautiful” has to offer. Joe often said Utah’s beautiful scenery was his favorite. A talented trout fisherman, dedicated camper, home Scrabble champion, and a very serious tomato grower, he kept busy in retirement with these many interests that complemented his wonderful life.

Along with his wife, Eleanor, Joe is also survived by his three children; Tina (Gordon) Calhoun of South Carolina, JoeAnne (Jeffrey) Anthony Trad of Clifton Park, and Joseph A. Anthony of Troy. Also surviving are three grandchildren; Sarah Trad, Hannah Trad, and Ryan Anthony; as well as his nieces and nephews; Melanie Baker, Ray Perkins, Walter Perkins, and Susan Breakie. Also mourning the loss of Joe is the family kittie, Lizzie, who could often be found snuggled up on his lap. Joe was preceded in death by his three sisters; Dorothy, Angela, and Shirley, as well as by his trusty hunting dog, Michael.

The Anthony family would like to thank the Albany County Hospice staff for the love, care, and support they provided over the past month. In particular, Joe’s case manager, Christine, and his nurse, Joe, who was also a Navy man and immediately gained Joe’s respect. His family would also like to thank the private care staff who stepped in when the family was no longer able to handle Joe’s care. Daniela, Eve, Kelly, Kim, Jen, and Missy – You are angels who were sent to us to help us through this difficult time. We are forever grateful for the love, care, and support you gave to Joe and to his family.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday evening, August 17, 2016 at 7 pm at Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet. Friends and relatives may visit with Joe’s family prior to the service, from 4 until 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Community Hospice Gift Processing Center, 310 South Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208, or to the Leatherstocking Honor Flight, PO Box 621, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

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