Joseph ‘Joe’ Virruso was born in Chicago Illinois to Joseph Sr. and Eleanor Virruso. He had three siblings, all sisters. Joe loves his sisters dearly. His mother was intelligent, a great cook and an avid reader. His father was a master mechanic, he could work on any vehicle given to him. As a young man Joe became a member of Debra’s Boy’s Club, there children could engage in various creative activities. He became interested in art. He learned to draw, paint and calligraphy. At 11 years old, Joe and his friend Ronald jumped in a river with rapids and streams. A crowd gathered and the girls loved it, they were heroes. By age 21, Joe joined the Army. He went to boot camp in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He loved being taught self-discipline. He was in great shape and enjoyed shooting rifles. Joe joined the service during peacetime. He was chosen for many secret missions. During maneuvers he was chosen to be a messenger between the British and Turkish. He also carried dispatches to the Navy. He was once taken to a mountain by a driver to an unknown location with a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist, an ensign from the Navy removed the briefcase. He couldn’t ask what it was. His job was to make sure it made it to its destination. After leaving Korea, Joe went to Ft. Hunter Liggitt, California. There he tested new tactics and combat experiments. Joe was awarded Operation Counterpunch by Gn. Guy Maloy, 1st General. He also started skydiving at 27 years old, he loved it.
In 1967 on a trip to the World’s Fair in Montreal, Joe and his cousin decided to stop at Niagra Falls. On the way they saw 2 young ladies standing on a porch, they kept driving. Joe asked his cousin to turn around. One of the young ladies on the porch had beautiful long blonde hair and a mini skirt on. Joe asked her if he may return in the evening to take her to dinner, she agreed. He went back and they dined together. They stayed in touch by mail. Christine and Joe were married in 1968. Joe had 2 sons, Joseph Jr. flies all over the world inspecting factories. Joe also had another son who passed away as a baby. Joe lived in Chicago, Illinois for 40 years then moved to Cicero, Illinois. In Chicago, IL he lived in an apartment and amazingly his entire family lived within a 2-block radius. This allowed for them to remain close. He resided in Cicero, IL for 25 years. Joe moved to Southern Illinois when his health started to decline and was in need of Assisted Living. Joe has visited every state except Maine. One of his favorite places was O’ahu, Hawaii. The weather is perfect at 72 degrees every day.
Joe’s favorite holiday is the 4th of July. In 1976 he joined a Reenactment of the Gettysburg Address in Gettysburg. There were 1500 participants and 250, 000 people attended. His most valued possession is a Rockola Carbine gun and a 1942 US Army field jacket. Joe worries the most about losing his independence. He would be most happy if he could reunite with his friend Joy.