Joseph R. Qualters

Waltham – Retired Waltham Firefighter Joseph R. Qualters died in his home on Saturday, December 14, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was 88.

Joe was born in West Newton on November 19, 1925, a son of the late Joseph and Katherine (Tierney) Qualters. Upon graduation from Saint Mary's High School he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. From April to July of 1945 his unit saw heavy fighting on the island of Okinawa.

Joe was honorably discharged in May of 1946 and shortly thereafter joined the Waltham Fire Department where he served his community for thirty-nine years, spending most of his time with Engine 3. He then went on to work at St. Jude School where he was the jack of all trades. He belonged to Local 866 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 953 and the American Legion, Joseph F. Hill Post 156.

He was the beloved husband of the late Alice E. (Kelley) Qualters.

He is survived by his sons, John R. Qualters and his wife, Jean, and Robert A. Qualters and his wife, Lorri, all of Waltham; his grandchildren, Kelley, John 'J.P.' and Paige and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joe's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, December 17th, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the Waltham Firefighter's Welfare and Relief Association, 175 Lexington Street, Waltham, 02452 or to the American Legion, Joseph F. Hill Post 156, 215 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, 02452.