Joseph H. (Joe) Astroth Sr.

Published in The Palm Beach Post from May 6 to May 7, 2013

Joseph H. (Joe) Astroth Sr., passed away at Boca Raton, Florida on 10:47 PM, May 3, 2013 at the age of 90.

Joe Astroth is survived by his loving wife, Majorie I. Astroth, of 65 years. They were married at St Mary's Church in Alton, Illinois on October 18, 1947.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Janet A. Thompson of Delray Beach, Florida; his sons, August A. Astroth of Charlotte, North Carolina; Joseph H. Astroth, Jr. of San Rafael, California; Brian D. Astroth of Midlothian, Virginia; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Joe was born in East Alton, Illinois on September 1, 1922. He graduated from Wood River High School in 1940 and went on to attend the University of Illinois where he "lettered" in football, baseball and basketball until he entered military service in 1942. He served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II until his Honorable Discharge in 1945.

Immediately after his discharge, he was given a Major League baseball contract from the Philadelphia Athletics as a catcher. His Major League debut was August 13, 1945, without playing a single minor league game; and his final appearance was May 13, 1956. During this entire time, he was a member of the Athletics, moving with them to Kansas City in 1955.

After his successful professional baseball career, he was the proprietor of two family run businesses, Pit-Catcher Bowling Lanes and The Bullpen Dairy Bar in Chalfont, Pennsylvania. He later went on to be a sales professional and plant superintendent for General Copper and Brass, Co in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.

Joe enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and was an avid golfer, playing in many charitable golf events throughout the Northeast. Joe and his wife Marjorie enjoyed traveling and even into their twilight years, maintained a passion for ballroom dancing. Their jitterbug dancing was a highlight of their children's wedding receptions.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Estates South in Boca Raton, Florida on May 6, 2013 at 4:00 PM.

The mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church in Boca Raton, Florida at 10:45 AM, May 7, 2013.

A military funeral honors ceremony will take place at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Baseball Assistance Team (www.MLBcommunity.org)

Glick Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.