SARATOGA SPRINGS — Following a long illness, Joseph F. Dwyer, Sr. died Monday, May 4, 2015, with family by his side. He was 87 years old.
Joe was the only son of Helen Dwyer. Born in Ballston Spa on July 14, 1927, Dwyer was predeceased by wife Evelyn (Dowen).
A very patriotic man, Joe lied about his age to join the military and fought in World War Two in the European Theatre. He joined the Navy in 1966 and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 with the Seabees, building bridges and housing for the Marines. It was there that he met his lifelong friend Bill Coblentz of Indiana and they forged a friendship that lasted over the past 47 years. His favorite saying was “take a little, leave a little.” Joe was a lifetime member of Gurtler Bros. Post 420 VFW and American Legion Adirondack Post 70.
Joe was a dedicated volunteer member of the Monday Honor Guard Group at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery since its inception. It remained a position he loved and was passionate about until he gave it all up to be by his wife during her illness.
Survivors include his six children: Edward (Mary), Joseph Jr. (Kimberlee), Patrick, Kathleen Plue, Christine (Warren) Wildy and John (Ginny); 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Gerald Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871.
