Joseph J. McLinden, age 88, died at home on Tuesday, October 9, 2012.

He was born April 22, 1924 in New York City to the late Joseph and Margaret Byrne McLinden. After High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving during World War II where he piloted a B-24 during his deployment in Europe. Upon completion of his service, he attended St. Johns University in Queens, NY.
During a long and distinguished business career, he held executive positions with a number of firms in the airfreight and customs brokerage industry, finally retiring as President of the New Canaan Water Company in New Canaan, Connecticut in 1994. He also served a term as First Selectman of Ridgefield, CT during the early 1970's.

He is survived by his wife, Jo, a daughter, Maureen, and four sons, Joseph (wife Robin), Tom (wife Peggy), Michael (wife Theresa), and Paul (wife Charlotte), and two stepchildren, JoAnn and Russell (wife Janet.) He is further survived by 5 sisters (Joan, Marion, Gloria, Margaret Mary and Bernadette), 16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will all miss him greatly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Gerald.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 12, 2012 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. Services are scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2012 starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 21371 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, VA 20147.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org or mail to Disabled American Veterans, Attention: GIFT PROCESSING, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301