Joseph C. Maltese, 98, of Emmaus, died March 14, 2017, in Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was the husband of Carole T. (Giardini) Maltese. They were married 35 years.

He was an electrician for the New York City Transit Authority for 35 years.

He honorably served his country in the Army during World War II as a sergeant in charge of a squad of men. He was a specialist in wireless and line telephone and radio telephone in charge of emergency communications. He served with General George S. Patton across North Africa. He was chosen to lay a wreath on Garibaldi’s grave. He also served as an occupant in Nice, France, as an MP Sergeant for nine months. He landed in North Africa in 1943 with General Patton’s Army in the North African Theater of Operations and after liberation, served with Patton’s Army through Germany.

He was of the Catholic faith and was a member of AARP and the American Legion, Queens, N.Y.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters; two stepsons; five grandchildren.

Graveside services with military honors will be held 11 a.m. March 24 in Fairview Cemetery, Macungie. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.