Joseph Edward Murtha of Poolesville, Maryland; age 82, died at home Saturday, March 15, 2025, after having fought degenerative lung disease.

Joe, as he was known to many, was born December 30, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY to Edward and Eileen Murtha (née O'Meara) and was the only son out of ten children. Raised in the post-war era with Catholic school education, including Jesuit instruction at Brooklyn Prep, Joe showed early aptitude for science and technology, building radios. On February 14, 1965 Joe started Basic Training with the US Army in Alabama. Joe served as a Radar Tech, was discharged in 1970, and transitioned to civilian life pursuing education in Electrical Engineering at schools in Washington, DC and Maryland.  During this time, he would meet his future wife, Brenda. They moved to Poolesville, MD in 1974 and have been residents for over 50 years. In the 1970s, Joe started a career in the telecom industry with start-up Hekimian Laboratories, which was later acquired by Axel Johnson, Inc., and where he invented several patented devices and climbed the corporate ladder until retirement in 2001.  
     
Joe was a cancer survivor, having received then experimental drug treatments for Stage 3 Colon Cancer in the Aughts. Considering his extended time even then as 'bonus', Joe spent time with his growing family and continued to serve his local community through volunteer efforts. Honoring his patron saint, Joseph contributed carpentry projects to local schools and scouting groups. He was active in his Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church & Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Barnesville, Maryland as well as the greater Archdiocese of Washington, serving as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Faith Formation Teacher. Joe was a member of the Holy Name Society; and highly active within the Knights of Columbus (PGK, PFN, FDD) for 30+ years. Mr. Murtha found inspiration in The Holy Family and often volunteered to work with youth. In the 2020s, Joe's declining health provided an opportunity for him to step back and mentor a younger generation of volunteers.

Dad to five children and Pop to eleven grandchildren. Pop spent his remaining 'bonus' time with his family, sharing his love of science, solving puzzles, judging cooking contests, and enjoying media about Math and Physics. Dad was once quoted as saying parenting was "scary" and a "full-time job that never ends" (affectionate).

Joe is survived by his lovely bride of 53 years, Brenda; his awesome kids Karan, Helen (Patrick), Andrew (Kristina), Elizabeth (Benjamin), and James; and eleven fire grandkids: Rebeckah, Owen, Makenna, Regan, Mara, Kristian, Kaleb, McKenna, Teagan, Frances, and Waker; as well as his sisters Ann, Cathy, Virginia, Eleanor (Jim), Theresa, and brother-in-law Joseph.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents Ed and Eileen; and sisters Eileen, Maureen, Joan, Barbara, and two brothers-in-law, Jim and Jack.

Joe will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Catholic Church & Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Barnesville, Maryland. The family will welcome visitors on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at St. Mary's Pavilion from 5-7pm. The funeral mass will be on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11am at St. Mary's. There will be a rosary starting at 10:30 am in the church prior to the mass.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s name can be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Haiti Fund ("Haiti Fund" attn/memo line). Donations can be mailed to St. Mary's Church & Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima PO Box 67 Barnesville, MD 20838.