Joseph Alfred Ashby, 88, of Bristol, PA, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at Pomperaug Woods, in Southbury, CT. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Clara (Bessinger) Ashby and his devoted Brittany Spaniel, Penny. He was born June 25,1931 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Turner Wilton Ashby Sr. and Henrietta Mae Taylor Ashby.
Joseph grew up in Bristol, PA and graduated from Bristol High School in 1949. He attended Pennsylvania State University, was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and moved to Levittown, PA. He enlisted in the US Army and served at Fort Jackson, SC, for two years in the 3rd Battalion, 516th Airborne Infantry. Joseph worked for RCA for most of his professional career including working for General Electric (when they purchased RCA) until his retirement.
While living in Levittown, his family attended Central Baptist Church where he spent many years playing on the church softball team. He also took his family along with several other church families on an annual vacation to Camp-of-the-Woods in Speculator, NY. He moved his family to Westford, MA in 1966, where he was active in Boy Scout Troop 159 including serving as Scoutmaster. He was also active in the Westford Little League and served as President.
After retirement, they spent time in Myrtle Beach, SC, and Bradenton, FL before settling at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, CT.
Joseph was predeceased by his oldest brother, Turner W. Ashby Jr. and is survived by his brother Robert Ashby and his half-sister, Andrea Ashby. He is also survived by his four children, Debra Ashby Carlson and husband Doug, Diane Ashby Bresson and husband Ken, Joseph Ashby Jr. and wife Lynne, and James Ashby and wife Meredith. He also had seven grandchildren, Christina Carlson Quensen, Michael Carlson, Kelley Holahan Johnson, Kristin Holahan Snellings, Leigh Holahan Brickett, Ryan Ashby, Renee Ashby and three great-grandchildren, Erik Michael Carlson, Noah Carlson Quensen and Eli Carlson Quensen, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at a later time at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com
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