Joseph L. Font

Joe fought a long and hard battle, as any true Marine, against Parkinson’s Disease until the Lord graciously brought him home to be with his sons Joseph and Jeffrey.

Joe was born in Bayonne, New Jersey to Joseph and Anna (Brozek) Font on January 8, 1937.  As a boy he spent his time dreaming of becoming a Marine and at 17 he ran off to enlist, fibbing about his age!  Joe was so proud to be a Marine.  He was promoted to Sergeant and trained in ground radar, assigned to the Security Detail for President Eisenhower while in Panama, and became a Drill Instructor at Camp LeJeune.  Without his perseverance, Marine grit and fortitude he could not have survived these last 18 years with this horrible disease. Semper Fidelis. Once a Marine, always a Marine. His military career was derailed when he had to return home to assist the family.

Joe quickly adapted to civilian life, starting a new career with Verizon. He met the love of his life, the girl next door,  Gaetana Pesce. They share 62 years of marriage and had 2 sons Joseph and Jeffrey. Joe’s career ambitions with Verizon began in Washington DC, then to Maryland, to New Jersey and finally back to the place they loved: Saugerties. Joe retired from his career with Verizon in Kingston after 31 years of service. 

After he retired, from Verizon, he partnered with Richard Pesce in the purchase of Pesce Bakery. One of their ads on WGHQ, was Pesce's is the Freshest. He enjoyed the baking, comradery and the people that would stop by on Friday nights for the fresh baked rolls. Joe may have been quiet but was quick witted and never failed to get a laugh.

Joe was very active in the community. He was a Eucharistic Minister and Religious Instructor at St. John's Church. He was an Honorary Life Member of the American Legion Post 72, serving as County Adjutant, County Treasurer, Honor Guard and Color Guard, Finance Officer and Post Commander. He was given the Pride of Ulster County Award for his work on the American Legion Museum. He was a Member of the Knights of Columbus: Honorary Life Member 3rd and 4th Degree. He was a Life Member of the Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Association, and VFW Post 5034, also Life Member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, President of the Left Footers Square Dance Club, Fresh Air Fund Host, Foster Parent Program and the Laubach Literacy Tutor.

He is predeceased by loving sons: Joseph, age 3 and Jeffrey age 16.

Joe is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Gaetana, who cared for him during his illness with dedication and respect, his brother Frank (Marie) De Bernardo, his sister, Lois (George) Schonger, his Pesce family: Fred (Alana), Richard, Elaine and Maria (Alan), his foster children: Michelle Amend, Sarah and Matthew Seeley, Jeremy and Barbara Taylor and several nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Procession will form 10:15 am Friday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc. Thence to St. Mary of the Snow Church where an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary of the Snow Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Tribute Book will be organized using expressions of condolence and photos shared with Joe's Family at  SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com.

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