Joseph J Alonge

 Joseph J. Alonge, age 95, of North East, PA and The Villages, Florida passed away peacefully at home on June 8, 2023 surrounded by his family after a sudden and brief illness. He was born in North East on October 1, 1927 to the late John and Mary (Vicari) Alonge. He attended North East High School and successfully badgered his widowed mother to sign the papers allowing him to enlist in the United States Navy. Joseph was a Veteran of World War II having served in the Pacific Fleet. He served aboard the USS Kingman, USS Nereus, and the USS Florikan. While on the USS Nereus, he served on a secret mission called Roads End after the Japanese surrender. He was assigned by his Commander to participate in detonating 24 captured submarines, including the infamous Sen Toku, in Sasebo, Japan. He received the Navy Good Conduct medal, the American Campaign medal, the Asiatic-Pacific WWII medal, the WWII Victory medal, the WWII Navy Occupation Service medal, and the Ruptured Duck pin. He was honorably discharged on his 21st birthday. He was proud of his service and enjoyed partaking of Navy Reunions with his wife for the last thirty years. He later earned his GED at Tech Memorial High School. He utilized his GI benefits to become a licensed pilot and many summers during the Erie Air Show he would thrill his sons by flying over the county with his special banking maneuver over Lake Erie. He was a member of St. Gregory Parish in North East and St. Vincent DePaul Parish in Wildwood, Florida. He was an usher for many years at St. Gregory’s and was a third-degree Knight of Columbus. Joe worked at General Electric in Erie for 41years, the last fifteen years in the Model Shop as a Dispatcher. He was a member of the GE Quarter Century Club. He was also a licensed barber working part time on weekends. He made time to have one of the most well-manicured lawns and bountiful gardens in the neighborhood. He took up golf after his retirement and played until he was 94. He was a member of the American Legion Post 105 of North East of which he, for many years, marched in the Color Guard during Memorial Day and Cherry Festival Parades and for Post dinners. He also served at Military funerals as a member of the Honor Guard. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eleanor (Amenta) Alonge and three sons, Dr. John L. Alonge (Karen) of Millcreek, Gerard J. Alonge of North East and Joseph J. Alonge of Millcreek, grandson Gregory Alonge of Millcreek, granddaughter Michelle Keytel (Wesley) and great- granddaughter Leanna of Louisville, KY. He is also survived by brother Frank Alonge (Barbara) of Erie as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Josephine (Alonge) Dilimone, Anna Alonge, Rose (Alonge) Buscemi, Sarah Alonge, Caroline (Alonge) Anderson, Frances (Alonge) Vella and brother Sam Alonge all from North East; another sister Joan (Alonge) Hoggard of VA. Family and friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a Prayer Service on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. from St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Church, 48 South Pearl Street, North East. Interment will be held at St. Gregory Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish, 136 W. Main Street, North East, PA 16428 and Community Nursing Services of North East, 7 Park Street, North East, PA 16428. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com

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