Joseph A. Elias
World War II vet was professional boxer
Joseph A. Elias, 99, died December 2, 2013, in Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, Ariz., just two weeks short of his 100th birthday.
He was born December 15, 1913, in Waverly, N.Y., a son of Abraham and Jenny George Elias.
Mr. Elias grew up in Washington and was a 1936 graduate of Trinity High School, where he was an athlete.
In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Bache during World War II, with an honorable discharge in 1945.
Mr. Elias started boxing in the Navy and later became a professional boxer, known as “Tiger Joe.” He 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.
He enjoyed going to dances and socializing at all fraternal clubs in town, and loved summer picnics.
Mr. Elias 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, 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; a daughter, Jeannine (Fred) Long of Casa Grande, Ariz.; a sister, Mary Amshay; two grandchildren, Nathan (Molly) Elias of Canonsburg and Jenifer (Jason) Conley of New Jersey; four great-grandchildren, Shane and Morgan Elias and Trent and Mallory Conley; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Leo and David Elias; and a sister, Anne Ward.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of service, Wednesday, December 11, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion.
Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.