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Joachim E. "Joe" Kallist

May 05, 1927 - December 09, 2025

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Obituary For Joachim E. "Joe" Kallist

Joachim E. Kallist "Joe", has "Crossed the Bar" at the age of 98 1/2 years old on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh and happily lived his entire life there.

Loving husband of the late Angie Kallist and the late Dorothy M. Kallist; father of his beloved sons, William McClosky and Joseph VonKallist, Jr., both preceded him in death.

Joe was a decorated World War II Veteran. Volunteering, first in the Merchant Marine as an Ordinary Seaman aboard the SS George Abernathy at the young age of 17. Next, he went into the US Army as a Private in a heavy weapons mortar platoon at the age of 18. Joe marched across France and was one of the first units to enter Berlin. After the war ended, he was assigned to the Occupation Forces as a truck driver to rescue the POW's. He still remembered the events of war. Upon returning to the USA, he became a professional boxer "Joe Kelly". He had six fights, and as Joe remembers, he says smiling "I lost them all".

Joe had many jobs including a waiter in a Chinese restaurant and a taxi driver, however, he excelled working for Columbia Gas for 41 years.

He was a member of the American Legion and The American Merchant Marine Veterans - Three Rivers Chapter. He loved going to parades even though his eyesight started to fail.

Joe was presented the Congressional Gold Medal for his patriotism in World War II Merchant Marines. He was very social and always had a nice word to say to the ladies. Joe traveled to France for the Eightieth Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion. Joe said "I never thought that I would see the English Channel again". He also told the French ladies "Ooo-la-la".

Joe had many friends. They will always remember his smiling face.

He was an American Hero, looking out for others first!

"FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEA"

As per his request, there will be no visitation. Interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Merchant Marine Veterans, Three Rivers Chapter, 117 Brave Run Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

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Condolences

  • December 18, 2025

    Connie Orient

    Will miss sitting with you at the veteran's breakfast. A truly gentle soul, I enjoyed our conversations. Connie

  • December 14, 2025

    Jodie Burke

    Uncle Joe, you were one of the best people I have ever met. You always had a smile and liked to see Kelly and Ben when we came to visit you and Aunt Dorothy. You will be missed. We love you, Jodie Burke and Kelly and Ben Wuenschell

  • December 11, 2025

    Karen Thurner

    Joe was a great conversationalist and we always enjoyed his stories at the holidays. We will miss you at our house for Christmas dinner this year. We know that you are now at peace. Jeff and Karen Thurner

  • December 10, 2025

    Michelle Jacobs

    Joe was one of the kindest and sharpest human beings I have ever met in my life. We met him living in the same apartment building as my mother and immediately considered him part of our family. You always had the best stories to tell and was never without a smile on your face. We will miss you greatly. Bob, Michelle, Connor, Callie and Sean

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