Joseph ‘Joe’ Harold Bolongo
November 30, 2020
November 23, 1927 – November 30, 2020
On Monday, November 30, 2020, with family at his bedside, Joe joined his Lord and Saviour and was reunited with his beloved wife, Joan (2008) and his two sons, Brian and Steven. Survived by his two daughters, Sharon Ann Murdock (Paul), of North Carolina and Laurie Diehl (Philip), of St. Thomas, Ontario. Loving grandfather of Candace, Brittany, Patrick, Shelbie, and Mitchell; and 12 beautiful great-grandchildren. Joe was retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served diligently, faithfully and with compassion for 25 years, protecting those who could not protect themselves. He survived the Korean War and served all over the world. After retiring from the Armed Forces, he started his own successful business which he retired from in 2003. We are so grateful and blessed to be called his children. We want to thank him for his loyal service to this country and others. Joe was laid to rest on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Woodland Cemetery, London Ontario. He is greatly missed and loved!
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Sharon, Laurie and family, I am saddened to learn of the loss of your father. I first met Joe when I moved back to London in the early '90s. With me having served with 2PPCLI, I felt duty bound to make contact with this Kapyong veteran and let him know I (and other local Patricias) was there if he was ever in need. Joe and I saw each other many times over the years but I lost touch with him in recent times. I held utmost respect for your father and enjoyed his company. I will miss him. Please accepy my condolences. Randy 2VP
Sharon, Laurie, and Family; I first met your dad when I joined the Peacekeeper's Association outside of Tilsonburg ,Ont. in 2000- 2001. Even though I was Navy, It didn't matter to your dad. As far as he was concerned, we both served our Country with Honour. Over the years we knew each other, we shared a drink, or a laugh when we saw each other a the Legion, or at the eagles club. He was a very proud man, as well as honorable. He would often mention his family, and as I got to know him, I also got to know a little about his Family. I will miss Him, as I'm sure many of his other commrade's will. R.I.P. Soldier, We Have the Watch.
Stand down soldier, your duty is done. You've been a faithful citizen and an exemplary parent. A true patriot.
Laurie, I am sorry for your loss and I also know he has gone to his heavenly home. I have many fond memories of a wonderful man and a good friend.
LAURIE AND FAMILY, Sorry for your loss I remember you Mother and your Father when my wife & myself were friends in HIRSHBERG Germany . Your Dad served together 2n Bn , he and I chummed to gether , he well turned out soldier, his was a member with RCR Association The Korea Association, always well dressed in his Green Blazer, he and did many parades in Brampton ON at the Wall Of REMBERANCE , Joe was the Sgt AT ARMS helping with the form up of the Parades . JOE will be be missed by his comrades &Friends I will miss him as he was my friend & Buddie REST IN PEACE PRO PATRIA
Dear Sharon, Paul, Laurie and Phil and your families, We were sorry to hear of your Dad's passing but rejoicing with you as he is now in his Heavenly home with Jesus and family and friends who have gone before him. As we reminisced about your Dad we remember that mischievous grin, the teasing and bantering that often went back and forth between us when we would run into him and the family in a restaurant after church on Sunday. He was a very compassionate, caring individual who was a great support to many over the years. He was strong and kind and never embarrassed to shed a tear or two with a person who was hurting to show his empathy. We were on the receiving end of many of his and your mom's prayers over the years and for that we are forever grateful. Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of loss and know you are comforted with the knowledge you will all be together again someday. Love to all, Randy and Brenda
The Bolongo Family - I write to express to the family the sincere condolences of the Patricias on the passing of Joe Bolongo. Canada and the Regiment remember his service, from his time in Korea through a long career - and your family is obviously proud of that service. His name will be read in this year's list of the lost when we read that list out this November 2021 in the Scared Space in Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2020 edition of the Patrician's Last Post section. Thank you for obviously supporting Joe through the latter part of his service and later. We are glad that he had a vibrant family and a good life after the army. His obituary certainly says so. Should any of Joe's family want to maintain a connection with the Regiment, a gratis three year Memorial Membership in the PPCLI Association is available. Contact Mr Herb Kenny, the Membership Chairman, at hkenny@shaw.ca, for details. Thank you all. Brigadier-General Vince Kennedy (Retired) Colonel of the Regiment Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Dear Sharon, Laurie and Family, My family and I are saddened to hear about your father's passing. I still remember his visits to my parents Rita and Allan's house when I was young, and watching # 423 pull into the driveway. He was a very kind, thoughtful and patient man. We are also grateful for his service. With prayers and sympathy, Barb Gnatiuk-Green and family
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~ Barbara Gnatiuk, Rick Green and Aleksander Gnatiuk-Green