Joseph A. Amlaner, 87, of Locust Grove, Va., passed away surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, March 18, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a man of God, who introduced many to the Lord and gave freely of his time to be present with others.

Joseph was born on September 20, 1935 to Arthur A. Amlaner and Mary Eleanor Roach Amlaner in Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated from West Catholic High School in 1954, where he was a writer for the school paper and held a city title as a cross-country athlete. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 4 years, which included time at sea aboard the USS Orion ( AS-18 ) submarine tender, where he learned to love a strict schedule and a weak (but piping hot) cup of coffee. Following his military service, he began a career with F.W. Woolworth Company, the pioneer of the "five-and-dime" style of retail. A dedicated worker and meticulously organized, he went on to be a Store Manager for multiple Woolworth locations along the East Coast, including the location in Tyson's Corner where he is remembered as running a tight ship.

Growing up as an only child, he desired to have a big family of his own one day. His family participated in the Philadelphia Mummer's Ferko String Band, where he met the love of his life, Janet Catherine Prutzman Amlaner. They shared more than 60 happy years of marriage together, raising 4 children, and then enjoying time with their 13 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

In 1994, Joseph retired from Woolco and opened a small business as an antique dealer in downtown Fredericksburg, Va. In his spare time, he enjoyed teaching his grandsons to play golf and was an active member of the Lake of the Woods (LOW) Square Dance Club, President of the LOW Lions Club, and an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his sons John Matthew Amlaner and Joseph A. Amlaner, and his granddaughter Rachel Lee Swink. He is survived by his wife, Janet Amlaner, and the following family members: Daughter Janet E. Swink (Vernon), and their three children: Vernon R. Jr. (Tiffany), Joseph C. (Jannah), Amanda E. Serpas (Raul); daughter: Jill A. Henderson (Timothy), and their two children: Scott M. (Amanda), Mary E. Sebera (Justin); daughter: Jacqueline M. Johnson (Alton), and their three sons: Dillon G. (Jackie), Garret D. (Madalyn), and Walker B; daughter-in-law: Elizabeth Amlaner, and her children: Kevin C. (Chelsey), Karen E., and Kristin E.; and grandson John M. Amlaner (Melissa). Joseph is also survived by his 31 beautiful great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and prayed for daily. Joseph's kindness, wisdom, and faith touched countless lives and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at Laurel Hill, 10127 Plank Rd., Spotsylvania, Va. 22553 on Tuesday, March 28th at 11AM. Family and friends are welcome to come and visit half-an-hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joseph's honor to the Orange County Animal Shelter.