Joseph Cordery - Obituary

oseph Carl "Joe" Cordery, 75, a resident of Bowie for 31 years and previously of Williamstown, N.J., died of cancer Dec. 10 in Harwood after a five-year illness. Mr. Cordery was born May 21, 1932, in Mount Ephraim, N.J. He was vice-president of the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union in Washington, D.C., from 1970 through 1997. Mr. Cordery served in the Army during the Korean War, attending The Infantry School. He was a member of Company F of the 503rd Airbourne Infantry Regiment, and received the Parachute and Glider badges, the Korean Service Medal with one bronze arrowhead and four bronze service stars, the Army of Occupation Medal for service in Japan, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Purple Heart, the United Nation Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was a member of the 187th Airbourne Infantry Regiment Association, called "The Rakkasans." He enjoyed boating, fishing, and woodworking. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Edith B. Cordery; one son, Joseph J. Cordery of Bowie; one daughter, Renee Cordery of Bowie; and one sister, Anna Wasik of Williamstown, N.J. Funeral services and interment are private. Arrangements are by George P. Kalas Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to United Cerebral Palsy, 1660 L St. N.W., Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036, or to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing