Joseph James “Joe” Verteramo passed away at 6 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2017, in Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. He was 87.

Joe was born Oct. 11, 1929 in Springfield, Mass. to James Joseph and Agnes (Brocka) Verteramo.  He earned a BS from Texas A&M College.  On Feb. 27, 1954 and in Harlingen, Texas he chose Gloria Egly to be his bride and life partner.  They would share 63 years.  Twelve of those years would be in Warsaw having come from Plymouth.

Joe entered the United States Air Force Oct. 26, 1951.  He was a 20-year veteran serving during the Korean War and in the Vietnamese Conflict.  During the time he served in Vietnam, Joe was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievements in heroism, two Bronze Stars for heroism, two Air Medals for heroism and meritorious achievement, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (1969) which is the highest award given by the Vietnamese to an American.  Major Joseph James Verteramo was honorably discharged Sept. 30, 1971.

Following his Air Force Career, Joe spent 13 years as an accountant at Culver Military Academy.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He loved gardening, remodeling houses, fixing things and in all, using the gifts God gave him.  Pleasure was found in visiting people in the nursing homes.  He also helped people figure their taxes. Joe was a humble man who loved his country and his family.  He was known as the “rock” of the family.

In addition to his wife, Gloria, those who will miss Joe and treasure memories of him in their lives are two daughters:  Christina Campbell of Fort Wayne; and Teresa Verteramo of Warsaw; one son and daughter-in-law:  John M. and Paula Verteramo of Elkhart; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in passing by a son:  Joseph J. Verteramo on July 29, 2014 and his brother:  Peter Verteramo who passed on June 15, 2005.

The family will receive friends at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 26.  A rosary will be said during visitation at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. inside Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Phil DeVolder officiating.  Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass. at a later date.

The family has asked that expressions of sympathy be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison Street, Warsaw, IN 46580.

Titus Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.