Joseph F. Thelen, of Doylestown, PA died on Monday, March 17, 2014, at his home. He was 92.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara Beaury Thelen.

Born in New York City, NY, he was the son of Joseph F. and Lillian Gilman Thelen.

Having spent most of his life in New York, Joseph relocated to Pennsylvania in 2000 to be close to his daughter and future grandchildren, however he never left his New York roots far behind. He was employed for many years with the New York Transit Authority and following his retirement became a building superintendent.

Joe was avid hunter and fisherman but best known as a jack of all trades. He was always looking for something to fix or to do or a wall to tear down and then rebuild. He taught his wife and daughter just about every household task; from painting and wallpapering, to electrical and plumbing work. There was nothing that they would not attempt or do better than most men in the respective profession.

When he became a grandpa in 2001 his world definitively changed. He was so very proud of his four grandsons and one granddaughter. He felt it was his duty to teach the boys the finer things in life; woodworking, horseshoes, pitching pennies, and their favorite “craps.” Most of all, as a proud US Army Veteran having served during World War II, he loved sharing stories about his days in the Military.

He wanted his grandchildren to think of him as a really tough, but they knew that underneath that facade was a big “marshmallow” who loved them deeply.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Barbara Martinez and her husband, Emil, of Solebury and his five grandchildren Daniel, Caitlin, Ryan, Sean and Timothy.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 6-9 pm on Thursday March 20, 2014 at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave., (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, and to his Funeral Mass 9:45 am on Friday, March 21, 2014 at St. Jude Church 321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914.

His interment will follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.