Mr. Joseph A Altonji

Joseph Altonji, loving husband and father, went to be with our Lord during the early morning of May 19, 2018 at the age of 88. He was surrounded by family and enveloped in the prayers of family and friends. Joseph was born on November 13, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY. After service in the Army (Korean War), Joseph re-entered his family business in clothing manufacturing. After many stops along the way in New England, Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina, Joseph settled with his family in Scottsboro, Alabama in 1973, working in the management of Benham Corporation. There he helped make Benham one of the prominent underwear manufacturers in the field of knit sportswear. After leaving Benham, Joseph owned and operated his own retail stores, Six Star Factory Outlet, both in Scottsboro and in Rossville, GA. In 1988, with his dear friend and colleague Paul Kunitz, Joseph started a small sewing contracting company called Valtex, Inc. which they grew the company into a leading manufacturer of children’s wear. Joseph and his family arrived in Scottsboro on the weekend of the dedication of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in 1973, and has been a faithful member ever since. He served in the ministry of the Lector and as 3rd degree knight in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic service organization. Joseph served as a charter board member at the foundation of the Scottsboro Heritage Center and was a 40-year member of Rotary International. Joseph retired in 2001, and lived with his wife, Barbara, in Scottsboro, the community of friends they called home. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Shafik (Charles) Altonji, and Najiba Altonji, and his brothers Edmond and John. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara (Poole), and their four married children, Joseph (Kathleen) Altonji, Andrew (Stormy) Altonji, Cheryl (Philip) Green and Mark (Catherine) Altonji. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren, Aaron (Brandy) Altonji, Elizabeth (Adam) Berry, Dr. Kathryn Altonji, Rev. Joshua Altonji, Christina (Daniel) Hicks, CPT Michael Altonji, Casey Green, Samuel Altonji, Christopher Altonji, Hailey Altonji, Sarah Altonji, and Hannah Altonji, and by his brother Rev. Mr. James (Arlene) Altonji. Visitation will be held at the Scottsboro Funeral Home on Friday, May 25, 2018, from 4:00pm till 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 10:00am at St. Jude Catholic Church, 17205 AL Hwy. 35, Scottsboro, Alabama, 35768. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or the charity of your choice. Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home.

Mr. Joseph A Altonji

November 13, 1929 - May 19, 2018