Joseph Michael Alto - Obituary

oseph Michael Alto, Sr., "Joe", 95, of Fort Washington, MD passed away on Friday, February 15, 2019. Joe was born on October 2, 1923 to the late Michael and Zahia Alto. He served in the Merchant Marines and then entered the US Air Force in 1948 where he served until his retirement in 1975. Upon retirement he was a self-employed consultant and corporate travel agent. In his free time he enjoyed playing tennis and spending time with children and grandchildren. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Elva Ann Alto; his four children, Jayne Zolfaghari of Alexandria, VA, Renee, Benzel of Rockville, MD, Michael (Allyson) Alto of Upperville, VA and Joseph M. (Stacy) Alto, Jr. of Edgewater, MD; his sister, Josephine Gerhard; and his 14 grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD and then relatives and friends are invited to Joe's Life Celebration at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD from 1 to 4 p.m. that same day. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 9 a.m., please meet at the Administration Building at 8:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House, fisherhouse.org/