Joseph O. Diehl, 84, of Mount Savage, died Saturday, September 18, 2010 at WMHS Regional Medical Center.

Born on December 4, 1925 in Mount Savage; he was a son of the late John F. and Lula Ann (Michaels) Diehl. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Shirley Ann (McKenzie) Diehl in 1996; brothers, Irwin A., Vernon E., and Harold D. Diehl.; sisters, Mary Flanagan, Helena Hotchkiss, Theresa Pendleton and Susan Emerick. Survived by sons, Joseph Gregory Diehl and wife Deborah of Lonaconing, Mark A. Diehl of Cumberland, Matthew Franklin Diehl of Frostburg, Todd A. Diehl and fiance Kelly Ruby of Frostburg, John E. Diehl and wife Sharon of Oldtown; a daughter, Maria E. Gullion and husband Brian of Garrett County; brothers, John Louis Diehl of Cumberland, James R. Diehl of Michigan; Herbert P.Diehl, Sunnyside, Maryland; Joe Diehl of York, PA; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. He was loved by all he encountered.

A U.S. Army veteran, Joe proudly served in WWII from Dec. 1943 until Feb. 1946 in the Asiatic-Pacific theater as a Tech5 amphibian vehicle driver in the 935th Eng’g. Boat & Shore Regiment. Joe’s 50-year professional career as a truck driver began at age 14 hauling logs via horse and wagon out of Glencoe, PA, and ended with over four million safe driving miles later. On numerous occasions Joe successfully represented his then employer Eastern Express in regional truck rodeo competitions, showcasing the skills contributing to his stellar safety record. He was a true professional.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mt. Savage, member and past Commander of the Mount Savage VFW Old Rail Post 6025, American Legion Frostburg, Barrelville Outdoor Club, National Rifle Association, Teamsters and Knights of Columbus 1058. Mr. Diehl enjoyed spending time with his family & playing cards at the VFW with his comrades. He was proud to be the core of 5 generations of his family.

Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patricks Catholic Church, Mount Savage, MD on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Monsignor James Hannon as celebrant. Burial will follow at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery, Flintstone, MD, with military honors by the Old Rail V.F.W. Post 6025 Honor Guard.

Memorials and donations may be directed to V.F.W. Post 6025, Mt. Savage MD 21545