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Lieutenant Colonel Joseph L. Felter, USMC (Ret)

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph L. Felter, USMC (Ret), 89, passed away peacefully into the outstretched arms of his beloved bride, Jeanette on August 25, 2021.

Lt Col Felter, better known as Joe, Dad, and Pop Pop, was born on March 13, 1932, in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from Villanova University, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the NROTC program in June of 1954. He met, fell in love, and married his beloved Jeanette July 3, 1954. Together they went where the Marine Corps sent them. In December of 1961 Kristine completed their family.

After Completion of Basic School in January 1955, Lt Col Felter entered Naval Flight School and received his wings in August 1956. After flight training his first duty station was MCAS Miami, Florida where he served with VMR-353. This tour was followed by one with VMR-253 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, from June 1958-February 1961 he served with VMR-153 and VMR-353 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. He spent the next three years as a Flight Instructor at Pensacola, Florida with VT-6. He completed Air Traffic Controller Course in March 1964 and served subsequent overseas tour with the 1st MAW as the OIC on MATCU-66. He returned from overseas for a two-year tour at MARTD MARTC NAS Grosse Ile, Michigan. In August 1967 he was assigned to MAG-26 MCAS New River, North Carolina and served with HMM-161 and deployed with the squadron in May 1968 to RVN as Executive Officer. He served the last two months of this overseas tour as Commanding Officer of H&MS-29. Lt Col Felter returned to MCAS New River in 1969 and served on MHTG-40 staff as the S-4 and the S-3. He was the Commanding Officer of HMMT-402 from June 1970 to August 1971. In June 1972, he was transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune where he served for two years as Executive Officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion. Lt Col Felter was transferred to MCAS New River and MAG-26 in August 1974 and served as the Group Inspector until 15 November 1974 when he assumed command of HMM-162. Lt Col Felter retired August 1, 1975. Lt Col Felter’s decorations include 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 39 Air Medals. He was happiest when he was flying.

After retiring from the United States Marine Corps, he continued his aviation career with Ransome Airlines and PanAm Airlines. He was a Charter Life Member of the Military Officers Association of America. Lt Col Felter was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Doylestown, PA. He and Jeanette enjoyed traveling the globe together. Lt Col Felter’s passions and hobbies included woodworking, photography, reading but what meant the most to him was making memories with his family.

Lt Col Felter is survived by his daughter, Kristine Rowe; grandchildren, Katherine Felter (Dennet Oregon), Andrew Rowe (Jackie Corrigan), and Benjamin Rowe (Brittni Rowe); great grandchildren, Kyla, Haley, Phoenix, Kenny, Caleb, Hugo, and Cody; sisters Ann Ziembicki, and Helen Charland; nephews, Stephen Kosakowski, Edward Kosakowski, and Raymond Ziembicki: nieces, Vicky Ziembicki, Rose Ann Herbert, Dani Trent: and great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Lt Col Felter is predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Sophie Felter; beloved wife, Jeanette; sisters, Mary Jecmionka (James I. Jecmionka), Vera Staniszewski (John Staniszewski) and Sarah Kosakowski (Wacek Kosakowski)

Family and Friends may call Thursday, September 2 at 10:00 AM at Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902. Celebration of Life Mass 11:00 AM. Interment to follow in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice.

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Service/Memorial Information
  • Morning Visitation

    Thursday, September 2nd, 2021
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Buckingham
    5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road
    Doylestown, PA 18902

  • Funeral Service

    Thursday, September 2nd, 2021
    11:00 AM

    Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Buckingham
    5194 Cold Spring Creamery Road
    Doylestown, PA 18902

  • Cemetery

    Thursday, September 2nd, 2021

    Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery
    654 Ferry Road
    Doylestown, PA 18901

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