Joseph John Angsten

Joe passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer.

Joe was born in Jersey City, NJ, the fourth child of Joseph and Christine Angsten. Soon after his birth his family relocated to Paterson, NJ where he would call home. He attended Saint Boniface Grade School and Don Bosco Tech HS where he learned the trade of draftsmanship. Joe grew up the son of a baker working in the family bakery business before and after school. He often spoke of tasting the baked goods as well as his many deliveries on his bicycle to the Little Sisters of the Poor. His Easter deliveries to the Sisters with dozens of hot crossed buns were his favorite, sampling the goodies along his route.

During high school the Don Bosco boys were able to meet the Saint Mary’s Girls at the local soda shop which is where He met the love of his life. He married Marge 4 years after high school, and they embarked on a lifetime of adventures together.

Joe enlisted in the Army in 1963, which became his career for the next 22 years.

After boot camp he entered and graduated special forces training (Green Berets) with the 173rd Airborne in Okinawa followed by service in the 1st and 6th special forces. His military career took him around the world including war time service in Operation Power Pack in 1965 as a member of the 82nd Airborne and Vietnam in 1969 where he served as a Captain in the 5th Special Forces Group, 3rd Mobile Strike Force. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Polk La., The Command General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kn, Fort McNair, DC, and two tours at the Pentagon with the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his military career he earned a bachelors degree from Auburn University and a masters degree from Central Michigan.

His awards and decorations include:

Legion of Merit, Soldiers Medal, Bronze star with “V” device and 2 oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal w/3 Oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Joint Chiefs of staff Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Army Staff Badge, Vietnam Honorary Jump Wings, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Overseas Service Bars.

Upon his retirement from the Army, he had a career in defense contracting.

He was a caring, generous man that constantly gave of his time to the local community and his church. Joe always found time to help others. As a member of the Lions Club, he and Marge made annual trips volunteering with the Remote Area Medical Team in service to the poor. He volunteered with the Saint Vincent DePaul society at All Saints Parish and was always willing to lend a hand when called upon. When the US Army Museum opened Joe was there to volunteer as a Docent gladly sharing his knowledge with and escorting groups of all ages through various parts of Army history. He enjoyed youth groups the most.

Joe always found time for family. He enjoyed spending time with his best friend and wife of nearly 60 years. Joe and Marge had a love for antiques, a hobby that led them to open small antiques shops in the area. They could often be found at auctions and antique shows. He and Marge were fixtures and the biggest fans at all their grandchildren’s sporting events, often traveling many hours through numerous states to cheer them on and providing snacks for the entire team.

Christmastime was his moment to shine as he led the family in prayer and the traditional ornament game where he dressed and served as the most lenient “referee” in history. His love, kindness and devotion will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Marge, three children, Laurie Thompson (Roy), Karyn Martin (Jack), Joe Angsten (Jessica), ten grandchildren, Patrick Thompson (Rachael), Brandon Thompson (Kayla), Jordyn Peachey (Jerry), Jackie Martin, Jaime Martin, Buzz Martin, Joseph Angsten, Michael Angsten (Melissa), Andrew Angsten, Robert Angsten, eight Great grandchildren Audrey, Emma, Nicholas, Sophia, Colton, Micah, Xavier and Tobias and his sister Christine Maier and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to the Saint Vincent DePaul Society at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.