Joseph Michael Behan Sr

Joseph (Joe) Michael Behan Sr. of Alexandria, Virginia, died on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at the age of 89.  Joe was preceded in death by Eva Marie his beloved wife of 58 years; loving father of Vivian (Behan) Ripley, Robin Behan, Joseph Behan Jr. (Jennifer), William Behan (Dara); cherished grandfather of Justin (Bethany), Amanda, Liam, Samuel, Jessica, Ella and Abigail; and the best great-grandfather of Skylar and Keelynn. He is survived by his brothers John and William (Dave).

Joe was cherished by his many family, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends he made in his life. Joe was born in Richmond, Virginia moved to Arlington, Virginia and graduated from Washington-Lee High School in 1952. “Big” Joe as he was called was able to celebrate with fellow classmates at the 63rd class reunion held in 2015 here in Arlington. Joe finally settled in Alexandria, Virginia where he married the love of his life and raised his family.

Joe worked at the United States Postal Service in Arlington for 36 years from 1961-1997. He was a life-long member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Alexandria where he also helped coached his daughters in CYO basketball and softball in the mid-1970’s. He coached his son William in JV baseball at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria in 1990. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus Arlington Council 2473.  He was a life-time member and Battalion Chief of the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department.  Joe volunteered at Station 1 on Prince Street, Station 2 on Windsor Ave., and Alexandria Fire Training Academy. He was a member of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association one of the oldest volunteer fire companies in Alexandria. Joe did receive recognition for his dedication to volunteer service by the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department employed on September 11, 2001. Many will remember Joe as an avid Nascar racing fan who loved to support Joe Gibbs Racing team. Joe loved to tend to his vegetable gardens and he taught that same passion to his family.

A viewing will take place on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home (Alexandria).

Services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:00am at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home (Alexandria) immediately following with burial at National Memorial Park.

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