Joseph Francis Mercer, Jr.
December 23, 1965 ~ September 3, 2019
Joseph F Mercer Jr, 53, Woodbridge Virginia passed away on September 3, 2019. He was
born on December 23, 1965 in Altoona PA, the son of Joseph F Mercer Sr and Ida B (Johnson)
Mercer.
Joe graduated from Altoona Area High School and joined the US Army. He was assigned to the
3rd US Infantry Regiment, (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, Virginia. Joe left his military life after 10
years of service to begin his career with Arlington National Cemetery. He served as a Cemetery
Representative then Interment Supervisor working his way up to Director of Accountability and
Quality Assurance during his 25 year tenure.
Joe is survived by Catherine, his loving wife of 33 years, his daughter Meggan Pontillo (Franco)
of Orlando FL and his son Christopher of Denver CO. He is also survived by his mother, his two
sisters, Debra Leberfinger, Wendy Bougher and a brother, Brian all of Altoona PA.
born on December 23, 1965 in Altoona PA, the son of Joseph F Mercer Sr and Ida B (Johnson)
Mercer.
Joe graduated from Altoona Area High School and joined the US Army. He was assigned to the
3rd US Infantry Regiment, (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, Virginia. Joe left his military life after 10
years of service to begin his career with Arlington National Cemetery. He served as a Cemetery
Representative then Interment Supervisor working his way up to Director of Accountability and
Quality Assurance during his 25 year tenure.
Joe is survived by Catherine, his loving wife of 33 years, his daughter Meggan Pontillo (Franco)
of Orlando FL and his son Christopher of Denver CO. He is also survived by his mother, his two
sisters, Debra Leberfinger, Wendy Bougher and a brother, Brian all of Altoona PA.
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I met Joe thru the funeral business. He was my go to guy at ANC, always had the answer to the question and always willing to help. Farewell my friend, see you on the other side. Bob Gallagher Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home
The funeral director community lost an understanding supporter when Joe died, Bob.
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Gone way too soon. An ANC icon who was proud to serve. RIP Joe and thank you for all you taught us.
We all lost someone who truly understood what funeral directors try to do to help the families we serve, Marty.
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I’ve had many funerals with him at ANC. Good guy! What a loss for his family and Arlington.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
The Nation lost a true hero who went about his work at ANC quietly, without fanfare, to provide the best possible healing experience to the families he touched and the families that were supported by his coaching, teaching, and mentoring of other ANC employees and honor guards. He had an understanding and depth of knowledge of ANC second to none!
A candle was lit for the decedent.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Joe Mercer was the living definition of patriotism. He never adorned himself in symbols; rather, he lived each day serving and caring for fellow veterans and families. That’s why this past week has been especially difficult for those who intimately knew him: his family, his colleagues, his battle buddies, and his fellow citizens. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mercer for the past 6+ years at ANC, where we developed a trusted and great friendship. We would put our heads together to solve very complex problems, and at other times we would share jokes, or make pop cultural references to make light of the mood. He truly made coming to the work place fun. He had a very big presence at ANC — not just for his 25+ year tenure, but moreover because he lived by a creed of “doing the right thing” for his fellow soldiers and their families. I offer my deepest sympathies for his grieving family. Joe’s memory will never fade! We miss you, Joe. <3
To the Mercer family: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I spoke with Mr. Mercer regarding a problem with my father’s burial at Arlington National, which took place just days before your loss. Mr. Mercer was patient and understanding. It’s a loss for so many families who will not benefit from his professionalism. Condolences, Carolyn Ikari McCarthy Wethersfield, CT
It saddens me still to know that Mr. Mercer wouldn’t be making any more visits to the ANC call center to see us. I truly enjoyed having him around! Always kept me laughing. May he always be in our hearts! I send my deepest condolences to his family in their time of need. May you find joy in the memories that he has left behind.
Joe Mercer was truly “one of a kind.” Like so many others, I got to know Joe through his service at ANC; like so many others too of the rotating military members joining the team, I learned much from his leadership, knowledge, and passion for all things right about Arlington. I am still grateful for all that we shared during my brief 2+ years serving there. An added blessing to my relationship with Joe, happened nearly every day at the close of business when Joe loaded up his “slugs” for the ride home. For those of you not familiar with DC “Slugging,” it is basically a car-pool system and I and often another chaplain colleague (Scott) would then trust our lives to another passion of Joe’s–getting home to Cathy as soon as he possible while not necessarily realizing that the HOV lanes do have a speed limit. The memories of those ride–hearing about Joe’s childhood exploits, cemetery stories and history, his Christian faith, and most of all his love for Cathy and their young adult children–were really what helped make Joe come alive to me and make this so bittersweet to write. My assignment at ANC finished nearly three years ago, but I came back often and always did my best to connect with my friend, Joe. I can’t imagine ANC without Joe Mercer! Of course, his leadership and passion will continue to be felt for years to come as he influenced so many of the professionals still serving there and certainly now asking more than ever, “What would Joe do?” Cathy, I know you lived it and will hear now even more about Joe’s great servant leadership and his patriotism. All true. But remember too, you and your family were always on his heart and mind each day he served his nation so faithfully. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My condolences, Joe was a very nice individual everytime I saw him at ANC. I can remember a conversation of how he had to sell furniture back in the day. -Bernadette Brusoe
No words can describe the loss I’m feeling . He was a amazing husband, best friend and father. We was truly dedicated to job at Arlington National Cemetery making sure each and every family was taken care of with great dignity. As Joe would say you only have one chance to do it right. I miss you and Love You . You will never know how much I will miss you. REST MY LOVE❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
When my father passed away, Joe helped our family make arrangements for the burial of our father at Arlington Cemetery. Our father served in the Navy during the second WW and received the Purple Heart. Joe was a God send during that time. Joe is my cousin.