Joseph C. Maltese, 98, of Emmaus, died March 14, 2017 in Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was the husband of Carole T. (Giardini) Maltese. Joseph was an electrician for the New York City Transit Authority for 35 years. He honorably served his country in the Army during WWII as a sergeant in charge of a squad of men. He was a specialist in wireless and line telephone and radio telephone in charge of emergency communications. He served with General Patton across North Africa. He was chosen to lay a wreath on Garibaldi's grave. He also served as an occupant in Nice, France as an MP Sergeant for 9 months. He landed in North Africa in 1943 with General Patton's Army in the North African Theater of Operations and after liberation, served with Patton's Army through Germany. He was of the Catholic faith and was a member of AARP and the American Legion in Queens, NY.

Survivors: Wife of 35 years, Carole, 3 Daughters, 2 Step Sons; 5 Grandchildren.

Services: Graveside Services with military honors will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM in Fairview Cemetery, Macungie. Schantz Funeral Home, Emmaus is handling arrangements.