Obituary of Joseph V. Behe

Joseph Vincent Behe, Sr., age 95, of Harrisburg, died peacefully on December 29, 2020 at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He was born in Altoona, PA, the son of Jesse and Marie (Kelly) Behe. In high school he was given the nickname ‘Golden Toe’ as a legendary Altoona Catholic High School football field goal and PAT kicker in the 1940s. He enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1943 where he served his country during World War II, being involved in combat in the Pacific. Following his discharge from the Navy, Joe married his bride, Helen Ronan, and together they raised eight children. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Joe worked for Household Finance for 35 years, followed by First Federal Savings, where he was a loan officer. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Pennsylvanians for Human Life. He was also an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist to nursing home patients while a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. During his retirement, Joe spent his time volunteering with the St. Francis Soup Kitchen, PA Pro Life Federation, and as a senior van driver at the Friendship Community Center. He was a runner for many years, and then became an avid walker. Joe even continued to ‘walk the mall’ right up until his hospitalization. He made many friends along the way. Joseph was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen, his daughter, Patricia Zenyuh, grandson, Joseph Behe III, two sisters, and three brothers. Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph (Wendy) Behe of Ireland, Michael (Celeste) Behe of Bethlehem, William Behe of Harrisburg, and Jerome Behe of New Hope, as well as three daughters, Frances Harrington of West Chester, Carol (Randy) Lark of Halifax, and Elizabeth (Sean) Miriello of East Berlin. He is also survived by 35 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Joe’s legacy is long and he will be terribly missed by his children and grandchildren and all who knew him. A Latin Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church, State Street, Harrisburg, where Joe was a member of the Mater Dei Community. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral at Resurrection Cemetery, West Hanover. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mater Dei Community or the Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation. The Gilbert L. Dailey Funeral Home is Honored to Serve The Behe Family. 650 South 28th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103.