- Date Of Birth: February 12, 1922
- Date Of Death: December 28, 2015
- State: New Jersey
Joseph F. Harms, of New Milford, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 28, 2015, at the age of 93. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joe attended Saint John’s University. Just before graduating with a degree in Finance, he entered the US Army Air Force in 1944. While serving in the 8th Army Air Force, 452nd Bomb Group as Bombardier on B-17s, Joseph received the Purple Heart and Air Medal for his meritorious achievements while participating in air offensives against enemy forces in Europe. Although he achieved the rank of Captain, was a hero, was honorably discharged in 1947, gave insight of the crash for the book, The Last Flight of The Lady Jeanette, Joe rarely spoke of his actions during the war.
Joe settled in New Milford in 1952 with his wife, Elsie, and went on to raise his daughters while enjoying a successful career as a Manufacturers’ Representative of plumbing supplies due to his pleasant, caring, kind and friendly personality.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 71 years, Elsie (nee Gray), loving daughters Janet Witte and her husband Richard of Tuxedo Park, NY, Karen Wood of Branford, CT, sister Regina Harms of Garden City, NY, grandchildren Richard Witte, Bill Witte, Kristine Ianniello and her husband Mark, Brooke Ortiz and 7 great grandchildren. Joseph was predeceased by his brother, Gerard Harms.
