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Joseph Eugene Birmingham Jr., age 87, died on May 18, 2011. He was born to Joseph E. Birmingham Sr. and Rose Barzanty Birmingham in Crafton, Pennsylvania on May 23, 1923. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Margaret (Peggy) Schell Birmingham of Albuquerque; sons, James (Pimjai), Thomas (Elizabeth), Richard (Jeanne); daughter, Mary (Stephen); sisters, Aileen Birmingham, Rosemary (Ken) Miller and brother, Patrick (Andrea); grandchildren, Michael, Kristen, Pavida, Alyssa and Megan, and seven nephews. He was preceded in death in 1959 by his wife Anita Loomis Birmingham. Joe served in the Army in the Pacific theater in WW2, and was stationed on the Hospital ship "Comfort". After being discharged in 1946, he joined the US Naval Reserve Medical Service Corps and served for 20 years, retiring as Lt. Commander. He worked as a pharmacist for the Veterans Administration in eight different facilities. He was the Director of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albuquerque from 1975 to 1986 before he retired after 40 years of government service. He was on the Board of Directors for the Mid Rio Grande Chapter of the American Red Cross, Albuquerque Visiting Nursing Service, N.M. Health Coordinating Council, American Committees on Foreign Relations, Albuquerque Sister Cities and The Friendship Force of New Mexico. Joe received several awards during his career in New Mexico, which included Manager of the Year Award Federal Executive Board in 1982, New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award in 1984, Veterans Administration Distinguished Career Award in 1985 and Albuquerque Visiting Nurses Service Volunteer of the year 1985. He also served as Chairman of the Combined Federal Campaign of the United Way, Chairman of the New Mexico Health Coordinating Council and Chairman of the Albuquerque-Santa Fe Federal Executive Board. He was a lifetime member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. He was a charter member and president of the New Mexico Friendship Force, and a long-time supporter of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. After retirement he and Peggy enjoyed world travel. Services will be held at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr NE. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2011 followed by a reception at the church. Interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Joseph at RememberTheirStory.com. Lovingly Pre-planned at FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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