Longtime Claremont Manor resident Joseph B. Comstock, Jr. died on June 21, 2012 in Claremont. Upon his death at age 93, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Comstock, US Army, relinquished the title of longest resident of the Manor where he had resided since 1985.

Born on November 4, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan, he moved with his parents to Los Angeles as a child. In 1943, after graduating from USC with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he served in the South Pacific during World War II.

Following the war, Col. Comstock spent a few civilian years working in Los Angeles, marrying and starting a family. He then received a direct commission from the Army and returned to military life. He saw duty during the Korean War and served in Vietnam. During these years, despite his active duty, he raised a close-knit family.

Col. Comstock retired from the Army in 1968 and moved to Claremont, launching a new career teaching middle school in La Verne and San Dimas. He and his wife, Ann Whitford Comstock, spent decades volunteering with St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, the American Red Cross, the American Legion and the Pilgrim Place Festival.

Family expressed that he will be remembered for his devotion to his family, war stories and hearty laugh.

Col. Comstock is survived by his son, Ned Comstock of Los Angeles; his son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Kate Comstock of Mountain View; his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Brent Durrett of Highland Village, Texas; and his 4 grandchildren, Bob and Will Comstock of Mountain View and Katie and Daniel Durrett of Highland Village, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Whitford Comstock; and his daughter, Jane Comstock.