Joseph M. Archer

November 15, 1949 - December 7, 2018

Joseph M. Archer, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in Salem, N. J. on December 7, 2018. He was the son of the late Samuel J. and Mollie (Clark) Archer of Pennsville, NJ. He was a proud graduate of the class of 1967 at Pennsville Memorial High School. He was very involved with the alumni and reunion activities of his class. Joe owned and operated Archer's Carpet Shop in Pennsville from 1968 until his retirement in 2010. Joe's passion was music. His professional career as an organist began in 1966 when he started playing at Elsmere Rollerama in Elsmere, Delaware. In later years he had the house band at the West End Boat Club in Chester, Pa. He also played at many local weddings, funerals, and parties. Joe was the long time president of the Regina Coeli Society at St. Patrick's Church in Wilmington, Delaware where he actively promoted the Latin Mass. He was also the long time president of the Commodore Barry Division No.2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Delaware County, Pa. and was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Peace Council 4518 in Delaware County, Pa. where he was a 4th Degree Knight. Locally he was a member of the Salem County Historical Society, the Pennsville Township Historical Society, and the Historical Society of Penns Grove, Carneys Point, and Oldmans . Everyone who has ever come in contact with Joe will remember that he had a joke for every subject under discussion. Those jokes will be missed. Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy Steward Archer. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Ayars (Keith) of Ft. Myers, Florida, and 2 nephews Casey and Matthew Ayars. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, December 14 from 6-8 PM and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Ashcraft Funeral Home, 740 S. Broadway, Pennsville, NJ. Funeral mass to follow at 11AM at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 25 Oak Street, Salem, NJ. Interment will be at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Patrick's Church, 1414 King Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 or the Salem County Historical Society, 83 Market Street, Salem, N. J. 08079. www.ashcraftfuneralhomes.com