Joseph J. Armstead Jr.

Born to Margaret and Joseph Armstead Sr. in 1946, he was reared in modest East New York, Brooklyn. Joe, as he was lovingly called, attended the East New York Technical High school where his love of knowledge, law, discipline, technology and strategy were nurtured. After working for a few years in entry-level administrative positions, in 1966 he enlisted in the army, where he received special forces training. He served honorably and fought in Vietnam. Upon return from the war Joe secured an Office Manager position with the Aetna Life Insurance Company from 1968-1972. This stability allowed him to pursue his education once more. Simultaneously, he attended remotely, for five years, the La Salle Extension University in Chicago focusing on Constitutional, International, Administrative and Criminal Law. Between the years of 1972-1978 Joe grew intellectually and professionally. He managed work in positions for such firms as Touche Ross Inc., as computer support for accounting staff, ABC INC., as a paralegal, Mitsubishi International as an office management supervisor. During this time he also managed courses at Manhattan College in Political Science, Ancient Philosophy and Modern Philosophy. The military was Joe’s Graduate level education. Reenlisting in 1979 he was able to study and complete training in Primary and Basic Noncommissioned Officer School as well as Advanced Leadership School. He trained on advanced IBM/Lexitron computers, electronics and communications systems. Finally, Joe also completed Airborne/Airmobile/Mechanized and Light Infantry Leadership Schools. Constantly acquiring new skills, Joe excelled as; a Unit Liaison, Family Counselor, Unit Battalion Intelligence; Supervisor of Unit Logistics, Continental Europe and Asia Personnel Action Center Supervisor; Mechanized infantry Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant/Platoon Leader with 35 subordinates. Joseph traveled the entire globe and achieved the final rank of Sergeant well before 1998, when he retired. Ultimately, Joe’s greatest achievement was his connection to his family. In 1984 he married the love of his life Joann Jeter and became a father to Lakisha Monique her daughter. They lived happily together for 30 years, moving from Kansas to California and then finally settling in the ideal quiet of Mount Holly, New Jersey. Joe survived his first heart attack in 1992 and a triple bypass operation in that same year. Subsequently, he survived three more heart attacks and, with his wife at his side, battled heart disease every inch of the path toward his eventual peaceful end on December 14th, 2014. During these years, Joe’s greatest joy was keeping a house full of five grandchildren in an open, fun, warm, stable and nurturing environment. Nothing made him happier than cleaning the pool so they could enjoy it. His joy, infectious laugh, intellect, faith and discipline lives on in each of them and every soul he touched. Preceding Joseph in death are his parents Margaret Armstead and Joseph Armstead Sr. and two siblings; Eugene Armstead Sr. and adopted brother Tyrone Lester King Jr. Armstead. Joseph is survived by:His wife: Joann Armstead, Mother & father in law: Estelle Jeter and Gary Jete, Surrogate Mothers, Rosa Griffith and Wilhelmina Armstead. Many siblings: Earnest Armstead, Earlean Als, Calvin Bradley, Gloria Bradley, Jonathan Armstead, Leah Armstead-Chase, David Chase, Francella Hartman, Phil Hartman, Hannah Swaby, Lorraine Armstead, Michael Armstead and Kenseth Armstead. His Children: Lakisha Armstead and future son in law, Gerald Watford. His Grandchildren: Destiny Serrano, Shaleah Serrano, Semiya Serrano, Alvin Watford and Aaron Watford. Numerous loved ones: cousins, aunts & uncles, extended family and friends.

Joseph J. Armstead Jr.

June 25, 1946 - December 14, 2014