Joseph S. De Bow, Sr., age 97, of Indian Rocks Beach, Fl., and formerly of Huntingdon Valley, PA, died peacefully after a long life and brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Catherine (Morrison), and his brothers, Samuel, Charles and Gerard. Loving father of Kathleen Karsch (Philip), Charles (Patricia), Joseph, Stephen (Mary), Rosemary Wheatley (Larry), Michael (Linda) and Paul (Deborah); grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 11. Fondly remembered as “UJ” by his numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Regina McGowan and Therese Morrison.
Joe was a proud son of Kensington. He is a graduate of Visitation BVM School and Northeast Catholic “North”, Class of 1938. He served in the US Army Air Force during WWII and was stationed in India. He attended Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences and worked in the textile industry for over 40 years, mostly as a dye-maker, eventually achieving the position of Vice President of Hemphill-Ferguson Co., Inc.
Through the years, Joe and Cas and their family moved from Kensington to the Oxford Circle neighborhood to Huntingdon Valley. When Joe retired, he and Cas moved to Ocean City, NJ. Then, in their later years, they moved to Indian Rocks Beach, Fl, to live with their son, Joe, Jr.
Joe enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino, and spending time with family and friends. We will miss his stories of the old days, his singing, and most of all, his laughter, but are comforted in knowing that he and his beloved Cas are together again.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation, Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at St. Ephrem Church, 5400 Hulmeville Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020, followed by his Mass at 10:30 AM. Rite of Committal at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Luncheon to follow. Tomlinsonfh.com