~Joe was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 14, 1932.

~His mother died while giving birth to him.

~He was raised by his father who was a grocery store owner.

~He completed high school, worked with his dad until he turned 18, then he joined the Army.

~ He was stationed in France from 1950-1954.

~He was in the medical detachment division and was also a military policeman.

~He married his wife Ava in 1958.

Early Life