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Joseph "Joe" Ellsworth Burns, 93, of The Villages, Fla., peacefully passed away Tuesday after a short battle with brain cancer.
Joe was born Nov. 13, 1930, to Joe and Gwen Burns of Altoona. After graduating from Altoona High School and serving two years in the Marine Reserves, Joe joined the Air Force. He served four years, three of which were as a radar and radio repairman in Hoff, Germany, as part of the 603rd AC&W.
Upon an honorable discharge in 1954, Joe used the G.I. Bill to attend Penn State University for a degree in graphic art. After graduation, Joe sold radio and television airtime before joining General Motors as a salesman for AC Delco. He retired after 32 years.
On Dec. 24, 1960, Joe married Dolores (Dee) Mae Smith of Altoona. In 1964, they welcomed their only child, Joseph Evan Burns, now a professor in New Orleans.
Over a long and active life, Joe enjoyed singing with barbershop quartets and choruses, writing and publishing poetry, skiing, softball and golf. Joe believed his athletic high points to be running the John F. Kennedy 50-mile hike/run and walking numerous suspension bridges. Joe and Dee were avid travelers through most of America, Canada and Europe.
Joe was also a strong believer in giving blood, donating 25 gallons during his life.
Joe was preceded in death by sisters: Gwendolyn Alleman, Joanne Ingham and Jeanne Down; and brother, Jim Burns. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dolores; son, Joseph, and his wife, Tammy; grandchildren, Max and Ila; and sister, Jane Fatigante.
Joe will be interned in The Bushnell National Cemetery. His family will then open his home to visitors after.