Joseph C. Armstrong

Obituary

Joseph C. Armstrong was born December 28th, 1942 to the late Annabell and Clintso Armstrong in Beacon NY. He was the third child born of that union; he was one of five children in total.

Joseph, more commonly known as Joe, lived in the leafy, green suburban environment of Beacon, NY during his youth, before moving with his family to the quicker paced environment of the Big Apple, aka New York City. Joe was always an independent spirit. He rarely held a conventional job, much preferring to work on his own time and in his own way. He was an entrepreneur, a master salesman, hawking his wares on the streets of the city. It was during that time that he earned the name “Broadway Joe”; a name he became known by near and far; a name that followed him until the very end of his days.

Joe was a very cautious eater. He gave up eating meat many years ago. If he was the guest in a home, a special meal was always ready and prepared just for him.

Joe had a great love of the arts. He loved Jazz and had an extensive album collection. He trained in photography, taking and producing professional quality photographs and he had an extensive library of books on all manner of cultural diversities and interests. Joe enjoyed traveling. On more than one occasion, he spent several months living overseas.

Joe was married twice; once to the lovely Gloria Greenberg. That union ended in divorce. His second marriage was to Antonia Helvechio. That union ended upon her unexpected death after a short illness, leaving him a widower.

Even though he had no children, Joe embraced his nieces, nephews and the children of the family as his own. He made it his business to seek them out, interact with them, and care for their needs. He sought to brighten and fulfill their lives by exposing them to various cultural events and endeavors.

Joe moved to South Carolina in the early 2000’s. He continued to make his living as an independent contractor, selling his merchandise. Despite his healthy eating habits, he suffered a decline in health. He lost his beloved independence and had to reside in the Life Care residential facility where he received excellent care. “Broadway Joe” became a well-known figure in the facility among patients and staff. He was feisty and fought hard to remain self-reliant and able to care for himself. Joe fought hard to maintain his dignity to the end. He was preceded in death by his brothers James L. Armstrong and Clintso Armstrong, Jr

Joe leaves to cherish his memory, his sister, June Goodwin Best; his brother Frankie Magwood; cousin Randell Mack, nephews Derrick Armstrong, Darrell Armstrong, Clintso Armstrong, III; nieces, Nina Armstrong Wright; Cynthia Armstrong –Lattimore, Fatisha Montgomery Sansbury, Danita Rivera; Leila Iron Moccasin; great niece Tamisha Glen Joseph; sisters-in-laws Fredricka Armstrong; Barbara Montgomery; brother-in-law Orlando Best and a host of great nieces, nephews, relatives and friends