Joseph Walker, 79, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 in Deposit. Joe was born on April 3, 1941 in New York City, a son of the late Joe Walker and Gertrude (Swenson) Walker of East Branch. He grew up with his four brothers and sister.
Joe graduated from Downsville High School in 1958. He graduated from SUNY, Delhi with an AAS, Construction Technology in 1960 and the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1964.
Joe was handicapped as a youngster with polio and resulting from great care and therapy with his family, he was able to overcome his paralysis handicap and live a full life achieving at school and a career, working in various positions in the heavy construction industry. Joe worked on many heavy construction and underground tunnel projects including the Cannonsville Reservoir dam project, New York City Water Supply tunnels in New York City, the Big Dig in Boston, and was a member of Local 15 International Union of Operating Engineers - New York City.
Despite his handicap, Joe was able to become a pilot and flew his small aircraft over the hills of Delaware County. He had a passion for amassing a collection of unusual trinkets, souvenirs and items that amazed his friends and family with the breadth and depth of his intense hobby.
The family is forever grateful for the compassion and thoughtfulness of Joe’s longtime friend, Ginny Behrens of Liberty. Joe is survived by his brothers George and wife Sandy of Brookfield, Conn., Richard and wife Rita of Oviedo, Fla., Alan and wife Victoria of Salt Lake City, Utah, David and his wife Angela of East Branch, and his sister Ellen Craig of Wallingford, Conn.
Joe’s extended family includes 15 nephews and nieces, 27 great-nieces and great-nephews; 7 great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces.
Funeral services will be held privately. A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at a future date in Downsville, in the Summer of 2021.
Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.
