Obituary of Joseph L. Elias

Elias- Joseph L. 86 of Largo passed away Friday March 23, 2007 at Largo Medical Center. Born in New York City, he came here in 1954 from Rockaway Beach New York and was a retired air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration. He also owned and operated Joseph's Bakery on Fifth Avenue North in St. Petersburg. He was a member of Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg and was a former member of Beth Chai Synagogue, Seminole; a member of the Pinellas Park Arts Society; the Civil Air Patrol and was a banner tower and flight instructor at Albert Whitted Airport. During World War II, he was a flight instructor for the Army Air Corp. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 52 years Betty, and is survived by four daughters Joann (the late Sandy) Bush of Denver, Vivian (Edward) Lurie and Karen (Jay) Kauffman both of Seminole and Lauren (Larry) Kleinfeld of St. Petersburg; a brother Abraham (Lorraine) Elias of Bradenton; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Beth David Chapel, St. Petersburg is serving the family. Graveside services 2PM Monday, March 26 2007 at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 12905 Wild Acres Rd Largo, Rabbi Jacob Luski and Hazzan David Sislen officiating. Memorials in lieu of flowers would be appreciated to Congregation B'nai Israel, the American Heart Assn or the American Diabetes Assn. Shiva will be observed from the Lurie residence in Seminole on Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Times will be announced at the service. Service Information