Joseph America of Prince Frederick, MD passed away at his residence on Friday, February 03, 2012. Joe was born on February 24, 1920 in Washington, DC. He attended McKinley Tech High School and was stationed in Okinawa with the 1113th Engineer Construction Group during World War II. After the war he settled with his family in Prince Georges County, MD and was a Master Tool and Die Maker at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. He moved with his family to Prince Frederick in 1977. He loved to spend time fishing, crabbing and boating with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband and father. When his beloved wife Minnie died in 1974, he retired from his job and assumed the role of parenting the seven of his fourteen children that were still living at home.

Survivors include his daughters Trudy Dean (Roy), Eileen Lynch (Robert), Evelyn English, Peggy Hampton (Robert), Christine Real (Matthew), Catherine Manley (Chuck), Carol Wheeler (Craig), Miriam Gholl (Robert), Mary Taylor (Jim) and sons Joseph America (Denise), Martin America, John America and James America (Ingrid). Joe leaves behind 38 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Minnie and his daughter, Joanne Pantuso.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Vianney Church, 105 Vianney Lane, Prince Frederick, MD on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.