Joseph Michael DeGeorge, age 81, of Chesapeake Beach, MD passed away March 17, 2014. He was born June 28, 1932 in Washington, DC to Luigi and Innocenza (Cataldi) DiGiorgi. Joseph was educated by local schools and attended the University of Maryland.

He worked for the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, VA and retired after 45 years of service.

Joseph was a church cantor at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church in Upper Marlboro, MD for 35 years and was most recently a member of St. Anthony's Church in North Beach and was a member of its choir. Joseph loved to sing and it was truly a gift. He also enjoyed playing the stock market and collecting old coins.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years Carol A. DeGeorge, daughters Donna M. Downing and her husband, John, of Huntingtown, MD, Jennifer A. DeGeorge of Denver CO, and Elizabeth A. Walters and her husband, John, of Chantilly, VA; grandchildren Jessica Lynn Downing of Baltimore, MD, Matthew Blake Downing of Towson, MD, Taylor Dahlila and Brodie Van Walters both of Chantilly, VA; brothers Frank DeGeorge of Annapolis, MD and Victor DeGeorge and his wife, Maggie, of Bethany Beach, DE and sister Louise Alleva of Annapolis, MD.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.