Garnet E. Affleck, Jr.

GARNET E. “JOE” AFFLECK, JR., age 76, of Havre de Grace, died at St. Joseph Medical Center on June 24, 2005. Born in Winchester, Virginia, December 3, 1928 he was the son of the late Garnet Edward and Martha Walker Affleck.

He was an athlete and 1947 graduate of Catonsville High School, where he excelled in lacrosse and track and field events. He and his teammates set a record at the 1947 Penn Relays in Philadelphia for the 440 yard dash. Upon high school graduation he worked for the United States Postal Service for two years. With the Korean Conflict arriving, he served in the United States Army and received his jump wings at Ft. Benning, GA in 1951. Soon after, he was sent to Korea as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division, 187th Regimental Combat Team. He had five combat jumps to his credit and was awarded the Bronze Star for rescuing two downed British aircrew while under fire. He later refused the Purple Heart for a bayonet wound received to his neck during hand to hand combat. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1953.

He was employed at APG Edgewood Area as a Bio Chemical Engineering Assistant and retired from the Department of Defense in June 2003 after 50 years of government service. He has spent the last two years enjoying his greatest wealth; his children and grandchildren. A resident of Harford County since 1956, he volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts in Bel Air and was a baseball coach for the Churchville Recreation Baseball Program. He was a member of Young at Heart Senior Group in Havre de Grace. His interests included naval history, military history and collecting volumes dealing with such topics. He was passionate about attending the annual Army/Navy football game.

He was previously married to the late Bertha C. Affleck. In addition to, he was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Holly Affleck of Hoover, AL. He is survived by two sons, Michael Affleck and his wife Shannon, of Havre de Grace and Karl Affleck of Hoover, Alabama; four daughters, Elizabeth Carven and husband Frank of Forest Hill, Susan Affleck-Bauer and husband Mark of Jarrettsville, Annalisa Czeczulin and husband John of Princess Anne, and Christine Affleck Basham and husband Daniel of Pylesville; a brother, Fred Affleck of Reisterstown; a sister, Phyllis Frederick of Hanover, PA; and nine grandchildren. All will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United States Naval Academy Athletic Association, Football Improvement Fund, 566 Browson Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21402