Mr. Joseph Anthony Paschall, of Machipongo, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 8, 2025.
He was born on May 15, 1928, in Norristown, Pa., where he grew up and attended Holy Saviour Parochial School and A.D. Eisenhower High School. Then Joe served for four years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service, and upon discharge he attended Villanova University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Joe was married in 1951 to Carmella Perna, of Norristown, who preceded him in death in November 1981.
His surviving children are Dr. Robert M. Paschall (Melissa), of Exmore, Joseph G. Paschall (Eileen), of Phoenixville, Pa., Albert A. Paschall (Laurie), of Cape Charles, Michael R. Paschall (Linda), of Hatboro, Pa., Mary Regina Paschall, of East Norriton, Pa., and Lawrence D. Paschall (Julie), of Alta Loma, Calif. Joe is also survived by 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Later in life he married Elizabeth (Scottie) Acworth and enjoyed living on Hungars Creek for 29 years.
Joe spent most of his engineering career in the aerospace industry, working at the General Electric Co. in Valley Forge, Pa., in the design and system integration of missile systems and global satellite systems. He worked for 12 years in the nuclear power industry designing nuclear power plants. He was also instrumental in the design analysis and testing of steam catapults for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.
Joe was a Boy Scout Leader, a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the American Legion, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was a licensed pilot, a NAUI-certified scuba diver, a balloonist, and an experienced sailor.
A funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Catholic Church, 545 Randolph Ave., Cape Charles, VA.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to St. Charles Catholic Church or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
