Joseph G. Brehl
Joseph G. Brehl, 76, of Washington, died unexpectedly Monday, November 28, 2022, in the Washington Hospital.
He was born November 20, 1946, in Washington, a son of the late Carl “Cotton” and Bernadette Crawford Brehl.
Joe was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Church of St. James Parish.
He was a 1964 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 1968.
During his college years he played on the rugby team and loved the memories from the team’s travelling in competition and the celebrations afterwards. He always enjoyed a good party.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army the day following his college graduation. His time in the service included a tour of duty in Vietnam during the war years.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe began his employment with Frazier-Simplex. He later worked for Hallmark cards, his territory being Wheeling, W.Va. Joe then became manager of Obenchain Corporation (steel mill engineering) until the business ceased operations in the late 1980s.
He became a stock broker with Janney Montgomery Scott and later with PNC Investments, from where he retired. He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a broker and working with wonderful clients, many becoming friends.
He attended Annapolis Sailing School and was certified as a captain.
In his younger years, Joe was an avid skier and looked forward to annual trips to Colorado with his buddies.
Joe loved golfing and played for many years with the Union Grill golf league. He was a member of Nemacolin Country Club and formerly served on the Board of Governors as club treasurer. He recorded a Hole-in-One on #14 at Nemacolin.
He loved watching college football, especially Pitt and Notre Dame. He was a Pitt football season ticket holder for many years.
An avid reader, Joe enjoyed hours reading on a variety of subjects from history to mysteries. He maintained his interest in learning new things throughout his life.
In addition to Nemacolin Country Club, he was a member of the Arms Club (Washington), B.P.O.E. #776 and the Edwin Scott Linton Post #175 of the American Legion.
He enjoyed travel, good food and conversation and looked forward to resuming his regular routine. Joe missed his friends who went before him and remembered them with loving kindness.
Joe is survived by his wife of 39 years, Gretchen Nicholas; and his beloved dog, Toby. In addition, he is survived by many cousins with whom he had fond memories.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents; many aunts and uncles; his mother-in-law; and sister-in-law; and his beloved Yorkie, Sheba.
Joe was an organ donor and supported St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. He was a good, kind man, who will be missed and remembered by family and friends.
Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 5, in the Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, in the Immaculate Conception Church of St. James Parish. Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, where full military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Army and the Edwin Scott Linton Post #175 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, Andrew C. Piatt, director.
Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhill.com.