TSGT US Air Force

Korea, Vietnam

Joseph Crittell, Jr, 93, widower of Dolores Frass Crittell, went to be with the Lord just past 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 28, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born November 13, 1929, in San Antonio, Texas, a son of the late Joseph and Catherine Crittell.

His life was lived guided in love, faith and service. Prior to his retirement Joseph served 26 years in the military with both the Air Force and Army and would proceed on to accomplish many incredible achievements in his lifetime beyond his time in service.

Joseph's service in the military took him to many places. While in Guam, he went to visit a friend that wasn't home. Since his friend was not home, he knocked on the neighbor Evelyn's door to wait. This is when he first saw a photo of Dolores, his future wife, and had to meet her. Many letters were written and exchanged which marked the beginning of Joseph and Dolores's beautiful relationship, sealed in the sacred bond of marriage for 67 years. Together the Lord blessed them with their six children.

Joseph always looked after his family. He was a loving husband and a fabulous father and teacher to his children. He loved his children and never stopped bragging about them.

The time spent together with Joseph are memories never to be forgotten. Bermuda was where Joseph would jump in the ocean with his small children, which they loved. In California he taught his children to ride bicycles. You would often see Joseph riding the bicycle backwards, that's right backwards! At a hotel outside the Redwood Forest, he would jump off the diving board with one of his children on his shoulder. When stationed in Japan, the family arrived months later and he showered them with gifts.

Cars were a big deal for Joseph, he had a list of things you could or could not do in the car. Before he would teach his children to drive, they had to be able to change a tire and change the oil. His driving lessons were "turn here" if you didn't turn "why didn't you turn". He also expected everyone to pay cash when they purchased a car. At Saint John Berchman Church festival he always worked at the country store booth. He enjoyed talking to all, he didn't know a stranger. One of the things all his children will miss will be the yearly birthday calls where he would sing happy birthday! 

He was known and will be remembered for his dedication to his family, selfless heart, sense of humor and penchant for fun. His life was an example of goodness and service, and he was a joy to those who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Dolores Frass Crittell, who passed away on February 16, 2023, and his parents, Joseph and Catherine Crittell, he is also preceded in death by his brothers, Bill, Jerry, Ben, Carl, John, and sister Marjorie.

Family members include his children, 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, sister, in addition to numerous extended family and friends

The family will receive guests at Castillo Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, for visitation from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral mass will be conducted following visitation at 12:00 pm in St. John Berchman Catholic Church and a committal service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.