Joseph Louis Fry Sr.
Joseph Louis Fry Sr. passed away peacefully on May 19, 2020. He was born on November 17, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA to Joseph and Jean (Groch) Fry. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, with whom he celebrated 55 years of marriage. Joe will forever be remembered with love by his children, Patricia Kent, Sharon (Jeffrey) Snyder, Joanne (Daniel) Peterson, and Joseph Fry Jr, his two sisters, Elaine Prokoff and Joan (Donald) Rennie, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was the beloved "Pop-Pop" to Allison Snyder, Kelly Snyder, Olivia Peterson, Andrew Kent, Daniel Snyder, Sean Snyder, and Griffin Peterson.
After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School, in Philadelphia, PA, Joe enlisted in the Navy, and it was during a visit home that he attended a local dance and met his Ginny. He loved to tell the story about how he had to "rescue" her from all the other men who were waiting to dance with her! They were together from that day on and married on October 12, 1957. Joe attended LaSalle College in the evening, and began what would be a very successful career in sales. Joe was a natural with people, and could talk to anyone! He and Ginny had four children, whom they raised with love and devotion in the Bustleton neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Throughout his life, Joe was an avid athlete and sports enthusiast. (In his last days, he was asking about when the Eagles were playing, and didn't understand why the Phillies weren't on TV.) Joe played baseball throughout his life, and boxed and played baseball while in the Navy. He coached baseball, soccer, and basketball when his son played, and also coached American Legion baseball. He was very proud to say that one of his players went on to play in the MLB! He was a proud Pop-Pop who watched his grandchildren's sporting events, and often "coached" from the bleachers!
Joe was heartbroken when his wife, Ginny, passed away in 2013. Since that time, he would often say that he was ready for her to "send the bus" to take him to heaven. He waited patiently for that bus, and while we wish he was still here with us, we take comfort in knowing that the bus finally came, and that he and his Ginny are together again.
A private burial will take place at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
At a later date when it is safe for us all to be together again, a memorial service with military honors and an event to celebrate Joe’s life will be announced.
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