Joseph was born in Pennsylvania, joined the Marine Corps in 1960 until he was honorably discharged in 1964. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. with an MOS in communications. He was schooled by the Navy and sent to Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii. He later attended Army parachute school and received his wings in 1962 and captained the Marine Corps football team while in Hawaii.

Joe married Joyce Dolfi and became commander of the American Legion Post 678 from 1972-74, district commander in 1974 and county commander in 1975. As supervisor for Scott Paper Company, he moved to Bingham, Maine Post 99 and served as the post's commander in 2011. Joe moved to Cleveland, Tenn. and joined Post 81 where he was adjutant in 2012. He is currently a member of Drapeau - McPhetres Post 180 in Danvers, Mass.

Joe lost the love of his life to Covid-19 in April of 2020. We honored him recently for 50 years of membership and service in the American Legion.