Obituary of Joseph E. Lennon

Joseph E. Lennon 94, of Peter Lane, passed away peacefully Saturday evening at his home in the company of his loving family. Born in Amsterdam on March 28, 1916, the son of the late James and Ida Astill Lennon, he was the salutatorian of the class of 1934 of St. Mary's Institute. A lifelong resident, he worked for a time for Mohawk Carpets before entering the US Army in 1942. He served as a tech sergeant in France in the bomb disposal unit before he was discharged in 1945. Joe was awarded the bronze star and US Victory Medal. Upon his return to the states, he resumed his career with Mohasco and retired in 1982 as a production planner. An avid skier , his family lovingly remembers the lessons that Joe taught them in their younger years. He was past president of the Mohawk Ski Club and also loved to play tennis. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary's R.C. Church where in his youth, he sang in the choir. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and was an usher for many years. He was a great Yankees fan, and also loved playing the piano . As one of his nieces recalled, Joe was known for his impressive memory and his ability to recount stories from his youth and earlier days. One notable memory was that of having shaken hands with Franklin Roosevelt during a campaign stop in Amsterdam. On July 24, 1948 he was united in marriage to the former Jessie Jasper. She predeceased him on August 5, 2002. He also lost his brother, Thomas Lennon in 1978. He leaves his devoted daughter Jean Marie Lennon of Amsterdam as well as sisters in law; Adele Lennon, Margaret Jasper and Muriel Jasper; nieces, nephews and cousins. Services are Thursday at 8:15 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by the Mass Of Christian Burial at 9:15 am at St. Mary's Church. Fr. John Medwid, celebrant. Interment will follow with military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery, Fort Johnson. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in his name to St. Mary's Church or the Community Hospice Of Amsterdam both in care of the funeral home office.