Joseph R. Front

February 11, 1930 - August 17, 2018

02/11/1930 - 08/17/2018

Past Services

Visitation
Friday August 24, 2018
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel
154 Kruger Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-242-0330 | Directions
Visitation
Friday August 24, 2018
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Elm Grove Chapel
154 Kruger Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-242-0330 | Directions
Cemetery
Saturday August 25, 2018
Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Wheeling
1685 National Road
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 242-0460 | Directions
Service
Saturday August 25, 2018
11:00 am
St. Vincent dePaul Church
2244 Marshall Ave.
Wheeling, WV 26003
Directions

Joseph R. Front, 88, of Wheeling, WV, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018. He was born in Wheeling on Feb. 11, 1930, a son of the late Vincent M. and Kunegunda (Kobiela) Front.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor (Estep); brothers, Harry, Walter, Edward, Casimir, and Clement; and sisters, Sr. Leonard, Sr. Vincent, Rita Krenzel and Anna Nowak. One sister, Theresa Azzi, lives in Ashley, OH. Joe is survived by his six children, daughter, Lale Virostek and children Margaret (Joe) Gagliardi, Laura, A.J., and Katie; daughter, Anne (Larry) Focht and children Emily (Philip) Jackson, and Abbey (Ben) Snelling and great-granddaughter, Eleanor; son, Joseph J. (Katrina) Front and children Ella and Ava; daughter, Betsy (Brian) Babb and children, Molly and William; son, Vincent (Rev. Torie) Front; and daughter, Eileen (Jeff) Schomburger and children, Isabel and Keenan; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was a Past President and Board member of the Wheeling Lions Club; member of the Serra Club of Wheeling; active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America; served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for 30 years; and was very active at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, serving as Lector and Greeter and working on several Fund-Raising Projects. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School; served as a Corporal in the US Army in Nuremburg, Germany; and worked 36 years for C&P Telephone Co. (later Bell Atlantic) in Wheeling and Clarksburg, retiring in 1991. Joe was presented his company’s Distinguished Community Service Award in 1991 for his “Work in the Upper Ohio Valley for his tireless dedication to the Lions Club, Salvation Army, Telephone Pioneers, and devotion to his Church and Community.”

Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 pm, Friday, August 24, 2018, at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove Chapel 154 Kruger Street, Wheeling, where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Saturday, August 25, 2018, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. Msgr. Paul Hudock as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, with full military honors provided by the Moundsville Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to: (Click Here) St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 2244 Marshall Avenue, Wheeling WV 26003; (Click Here) the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 137 Mt. St. Joseph Road, Wheeling, WV 26003; or (Click Here) the Marjorie P. Lee Good Samaritan Fund, ERS Foundation, 3870 Virginia Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45227. Contributions may be made online at www.TMCfunding.com. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.

Subscribe
Notify of
16 Condolences
Inline Feedbacks
View all condolences
Jamie Arslain Sokos
5 years ago

To all of the Front family. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear father. He was a wonderful man, and loved all of you very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Jamie Arslain Sokos
5 years ago

To all of Mr. Front’s wonderful family. I have such fond memories of your father. He was a kind person and he loved all of you so much. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. It was so nice growing up and being neighbor with all of you. God bless. Jamie

Sister Carmella Campione
5 years ago

I have fond memories of Joe visiting at Mt. St. Joseph and the many times he and your mom volunteered to help with any projects we had. He was a true man of God who shared his faith, his joy, and his love with everyone. His presence will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers and sympathy at your loss, but what a powerful advocate you have in heaven.

Diane Babb
5 years ago

My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.

Jan Wrzesinski
5 years ago

Our condolences from the Cleveland, Ohio area and cousins from Lorain. Tess Wrzesinski, Stanley Treboniak, Jan Wrzesinski and Nancy (Wrzesinski) Mowrey in Avon Lake, Ohio and Connie (Wrzesinski) Ippolito

Claire Coulling
5 years ago

I have such special memories of Mr and Mrs Front living across from my family on Courtland Avenue. They were like our bonus grandparents. They opened their home and hearts to us always. They fully welcomed us to use their pool at any time, and we always looked forward to the special bags of candy they would have for the Coulling kids when we were trick-or-treating! When I was a teenager I cut their lawn. Joe would always keep close watch to be sure the lines the lawnmower made were straight! Eleanor would be on the porch waiting for me with a glass of lemonade when I was finished. The Fronts will be dearly missed and remembered.

Donna Mayfield Evans
5 years ago

Rest in Peace, Joe. He was a special person. I met him through the Pioneers and it was like I’d known him all my life. He will be missed.

Corinne (Bischof) Stewart - NC
5 years ago

Betsy and Front Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you say goodbye to your Dad. I am sure that over the next few days you will share lots of fond memories, funny stories, tears, and laughter in your time together. I pray that God’s gentle love surrounds you all during this difficult time. Wish I could be there in person – but know I am with you in spirit.
My Love to y’all! Corinne

Karen Nguyen
5 years ago

Dear Anne, siblings, & families,
God bless you with peace of mind & spirit as you grieve the passing of your Dad.
May God’s strength, your faith, comfort from family & friends, & your cherished memories
help you through this difficult time.
Love & prayers,
Karen Nguyen

Sharon Russell
5 years ago

So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great person and will be missed. Love and prayers for all of you.