Joseph A. Constable, age 96, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at his Peter Becker Community "home" in Harleysville, PA. It was the 71 ^st wedding anniversary day for Joe and his wife Marie (Barrick) Constable. Joe was born in Norristown, Pa. He was the son of Rose (Giannone) and Anthony Constable.

Joe and his brother Richard grew up on Harding Boulevard across from Elmwood Park in Norristown, PA. They spent countless hours exploring the park, Stoney Creek and the nearby State Hospital grounds. When needed, they would also help their aunts, uncles and cousins during the busy holiday seasons at the Anna Catanese Flower Shop.

Joe Graduated from Norristown High School in 1940.  The NHS motto was "Learn and Live to Serve. " The meaning behind the motto truly influenced him throughout most of his life.

Joe was a member of the NHS Track and X-Country teams. He was an outstanding artist and musician. He completed numerous sketches for the yearbook and newspaper staffs, designed posters, created paintings, and was a key member of the award winning NHS Marching Band and the orchestra. He also enjoyed playing in a local wedding band with several of his classmates.

Joe was a WWII U.S. Army veteran. He was a proud member of the 86 ^th Blackhawk Infantry Division. He served as a wireman in the communications platoon and worked to establish and maintain communications between the front lines and battalion headquarters. He served in combat in Germany, Austria and the Philippine Islands.

Joe graduated from Gettysburg College (Class of 1949). He earned his Master's Degree in Education from Columbia University and his principal's certificate from Lehigh University. While at Gettysburg, Joe was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Fraternity where he designed and painted their legendary multi-wall mural depicting the story of Minerva who was SAE's recognized Greek Goddess.

Mr. Constable was an educator for 35 years. He started his career in 1950 as the "Intermediate Grade Teacher" in the old Sumneytown Schoolhouse.  When the school was closed he moved up the street with his students to Green Lane Elementary School.

He returned to his Norristown roots to serve as a teacher and principal at the Washington and Lincoln Elementary schools (1955-68).

Joe and his brother Richard Constable often collaborated to create special opportunities for their students in Norristown. They helped establish and coordinate many events including: Inter-Elementary School competitions in football, basketball, baseball and track and field, summer arts and crafts programs, talent shows and field trips.

The Constable brothers often used their artistic talents and sketches to help motivate students. Their Primary School Reader: "Come with Jane, Dick, Sally…" used manuscript lettering and eye-catching cartoon style characters to help teach traditional primer-level vocabulary to underperforming students who learned differently. Their manuscript, "Nosey Norman" featured story characters who were teased because of their unusually distinctive physical traits. Inevitably, each character found that they were able to use their unique physical traits to achieve success.

Joe joined the Wissahickon School District in 1968. He served as principal at the Spring House, Lower Gwynedd, and Stoney Creek Elementary schools until his retirement in 1985. His career in education began with slate-boards in a school house (Sumneytown) and concluded with calculators and computers in a modern elementary school (Stoney Creek Elementary)

Following his retirement Joe continued to "Learn and Live to Serve. "  He read constantly and took several courses at Montgomery County Community College. He and his brother visited schools to volunteer as guest speakers, tutor and participate in school assemblies.

Joe was very community oriented. He served as a lector for many years at St. Helena's Church in Blue Bell, PA. He completed more than 29 years as area UNICEF chairperson. He started volunteering in 1960 as a democratic committee person in Worcester Township, PA. He also served as Democratic Committee Chairperson and worked at the polls for more than 30 years.  Joe volunteered as a coach for the Worcester Biddy Basketball program and the Lower Providence-Worcester Little League.

Joe and his wife Marie moved from their long time home in Worcester, PA to the Peter Becker Community in 2007. Joe volunteered at Peter Becker with Marie until he was no longer able to do so.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his son Mark Constable (Nancy), daughter Cathy Constable (Mary) grandsons Korey Constable (Deanna) and Adam Umanoff (Daniela). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jane (Caprione) Constable. He was predeceased by his brother Richard and brother-in-law Richard (Doc) Barrick.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday June 8, 2019 from 10 am to 10:45 am at the Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home located at 667 Harleysville Pike (Route 113) Telford, PA 18969.  Joe's Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to: The Child Development Foundation 2500 Dekalb Pike – Suite 100 Norristown, PA 19401 or The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) by visiting www.unicefusa.org

Online condolences or memories of Joe can be shared with the family by visiting: www.WilliamsBergeyKoffel.com