Memorial Service: 12:00 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2017
Location: St. Jerome Catholic Church
Inurnment: St. Jerome Catholic Church Columbarium
Reception: Following the Service
Location: St. Jerome Catholic Church
Joseph Eugene DeCleene, Jr., 84, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017 at his home. He was born in Somerville, NJ on February 5, 1933 to Joseph and Margaret DeCleene of Clinton, NJ. He had resided in Newport News since 1971.
He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. Joe served two years of active duty with the U.S. Air Force, then moved into a management position in the ship building industry while continuing his military affiliation with the Ready Reserve. He retired as a LTC in 1982.
He earned lifetime certification as a professional contract manager and retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1993. He was a Fellow and former President of NCMA (National Contract Management Association), and a Life Member of American Legion Post 368 in Denbigh, where he earned the 2011 Legionnaire of the Year Award. He was a member of the Jaycees in Oakland, NJ, where he held numerous offices, and was a devoted founding member of St. Jerome Catholic Church where he served as Usher. He was also an avid golfer.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, the former Lila J. Watson, of Burlington, IA, whom he married at Eglin Air Force Base in 1956 where they were both serving. He is also survived by a son, Michael DeCleene, a sister, Virginia Paulus and a brother, John DeCleene.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon, Friday June 30, 2017 at St. Jerome Catholic Church by the Rev. Patrick Baffour-Akoto. Inurnment will follow in the church Columbarium with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Grace Hospice, 263 McLaws Circle, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.