Joseph A. Moriarty, Jr

Joseph Arthur Moriarty, Jr., Joe, 89, of Kingsport died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family late Wednesday night, December 15, 2010. He was born in Knoxville and graduated in 1942 in chemical engineering from the University of Tennessee. Later that year while training in the U.S. Army for World War II, he met his future bride, June Jackson on a blind date. They were married eight weeks later and lived together in happiness until her death in 2004. After serving in Burma, he returned and settled in Kingsport where he worked at Tennessee Eastman Company until his retirement. He completed Master's degrees in chemical engineering and mathematics. His career was interrupted for two years in 1952 when he was called to serve in the Korean War. Soon after, he was awarded a Commendation Ribbon for Meritorious Achievement.

After his retirement Joe continued his education, becoming a ham radio operator, and mastering photography, Spanish, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Sumerian cuneiform writing. He went on an archeological dig in the Holy Land and traveled extensively around the world with his wife.

Joe and June volunteered with the American Red Cross and delivered Meals on Wheels. Until a knee injury ended his running career, he won numerous awards in local road races.

He was very active in St. Dominic Catholic Church where he taught religious education classes, and served as a lector and a member of the parish council.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joseph A. Moriarty, Sr. and Sarah Sadie Milan Moriarty.

He is survived by two sons, Michael Moriarty and wife, Darlene of Las Vegas, NV, Stephen Moriarty and wife, Kathleen of South Bend, IN; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation at St. Dominic Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2010, followed by a funeral Mass of the Resurrection.

A burial service will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2010.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Joe's name to: St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2517 N. John B. Dennis Hwy., Kingsport, TN 37660 or to Meals on Wheels of Kingsport, 727 N. Eastman Road, Kingsport TN 37660.