Joseph Edward Armstrong
Joseph Edward Armstrong died on July 3, 2018, at the age of 86. He was a resident of Succasunna, NJ. Born on January 7, 932 in Altoona, PA to James and Madeline Campbell Armstrong, Joe was the third of six siblings.
In high school he was active in the band and orchestra playing the clarinet. After graduating in 1949, Joe attended the Altoona Center of Penn State University participating in the Army ROTC (required for all male students without military training). He also joined the local Marine Reserve unit and in August of 1950 his unit was called to active duty at the outbreak of the Korean War. Joe was sent to Parris Island, SC for recruit training along and was given the opportunity to apply for the US Naval Academy. After finishing training, he was assigned to the NAPS unit in RI to prepare for the test for all military candidates. He was appointed to the class of 1955. While at the Academy, he learned to play soccer earning three letters. He would go on to try out for the US Olympic soccer team and become a college level soccer and football referee. In the summer of 1952, Joe met a “cute secretary” Joyce Burket in Pittsburgh while waiting for his brother to complete an entrance exam. Joe was captivated. They were married at the Naval Academy Chapel on June 6, 1955.
At graduation, Joe reentered the Marine Corps and was assigned to Quantico, VA for officer training. Upon completion he was sent to the Army Artillery School. He finally reached his first unit, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 1st Marine Brigade in Kaneohe, HI.
During his two-year tour, Joe was Battery Executive Office and Battery Commander. His next assignment was back to Fort Sill, OK as an Artillery Survey instructor.
During this tour he was introduced to the computer and found his passion. Joe accepted a position with Univac in September of 1960. He assisted in the development of the first COBOL compiler. Future Admiral Dr. Grace Hopper was manager of the project team. He then joined General Electric Space Division and worked for 10 years on both NASA and Air Force projects in weather, earth resources and the Manned Orbiting Laboratory.
The family relocated from Blue Bell, PA to Mendham, NJ when Joe took a position as Vice President at Chase Manhattan Bank, NY where he was responsible for software development to support the new Stock Processing activities of the bank. He was reassigned to the group responsible for the new the Computer Center. In 1979, Joe joined the Mars Corporation and was responsible for software development for all Mars units in the U.S. In 1984, he led the effort to develop the computer environment that became a world-wide computer center. Joe co-authored “A Users Guide to Computer Contracting”.
He retired in 1990. In retirement he enjoyed life with his wife Joyce; daughter Kimberly; son Scott; and his grandsons. Joe and Kim worked on the 1994 and 1999 World Cup. An avid sports fan, Joe could be found at many Naval Academy and Roxbury High School events, cheering the students on, especially grandson Colin. He loved getting an ice cream, reading political thrillers, traveling, and volunteering in his community. He was inducted in the Sons of the American Revolution in 2012. Since the passing of Joyce in 2009, Joe lived with his daughter Kim in Succasunna.
Joseph E Armstrong died on July 3, 2018.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joyce; brothers James, Louis, Thomas; and sister Madeline. Joe is survived by his two siblings Dale Armstrong of Weatherly, PA and Marlene Armstrong of Fon du Lac, WI; daughter Kimberly of Succasunna, NJ; son Scott [Paula], grandsons Ryan and Declan all of Wilmington, NC; and grandson Colin of Succasunna, NJ.
Services were held at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
Those desiring to make memorial donations in memory of Joe can contribute to the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA), Soccer Sustainment Fund, 566 Brownson Rd., Annapolis, MD, 21402, Attn: Terrance McGowan.
