Joseph Abraham Elias

Joseph A. Elias, 99.99, died December 2, 2013 at the VA Hospital in Tucson, AZ, just two weeks short of his 100th birthday. He was born December 15, 1913 in Waverly NY, the son of Abraham and Jenny George Elias. He grew up in Washington and attended Trinity High School graduating in 1936, where he was an athlete. In 1943 he entered the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Bache during WWII, with an honorable discharge in 1945. He started boxing in the Navy and later became a professional boxer, known as “Tiger Joe” and was a sparring partner to world champion Sammy Angott, later going on to train boxers at the Washington YMCA, where he later taught water aerobics. Joe enjoyed going to dances and socializing at all fraternal clubs in town and loved summer picnics. He worked at Jessop Steel Mill for 34 years as an Inspector/Surface Grinder before retiring. In 2003 he moved to Arizona to be closer to his children. He enjoyed going to the Senior Center where he socialized and played cards with his friends. He loved all sports and dancing and keeping active, he also enjoyed watching boxing, bowling and the Pittsburgh Steelers. On November 24, 2013 he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and is now in His Presence. Surviving are a son, Joseph Elias of Tucson, AZ; a daughter, Jeannine (Fred) Long of Casa Grande, AZ; a sister, Mary Amshay; two grandchildren, Nathan (Molly) Elias of Canonsburg, Jenifer (Jason) Conley of NJ; four great grandchildren, Shane and Morgan Elias, Trent and Mallory Conley; several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, Leo and David Elias; a sister Anne Ward. Friends will be received Tuesday, December 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, December 11th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the time of service at William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Ave, Washington. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton Post #175 of the American Legion.