ALTON III, JOSEPH W., 64, died peacefully in his home in Annapolis, Maryland on March 27, 2013. He was born in Annapolis on April 22, 1948, and was a graduate of Annapolis Senior High School and the College of Artesia. Alton, a longtime resident of Eastport, spent much of his professional career serving the Anne Arundel County Government in the Human Resources Department. After retirement, Alton spent his final years devoted to the care of his aging father. Alton was a true son of Annapolis. He was an accomplished athlete in the sports of basketball, baseball and football. Alton was always passionate about the Chesapeake Bay. Some of Alton's happiest moments were setting a trot line at sunrise with his son, Joey, and nephew, Bryan. A steamed crab feast was always to follow. He loved the challenge of maintaining his wooden bay built dead-rise boat. His love of the bay was passed down to him from his grandfather which he passed on to his grandchildren. Also, Alton shared his love of athletics with his own children and grandchildren. He never missed a single game of his daughter Aimee's softball career. Countless hours were spent playing catch with his children and he would say, "You can never end on a miss." Alton's other interests included classic cars, boating, and Navy Basketball. Above all, Joe Alton's true legacy is his family. Nothing brought more joy to him than an afternoon with his grandchildren. Whether a squirt gun battle with his grandsons, or accompanying his granddaughters to ballet class, he always found joy in those simple acts. The devotion to his grandchildren was immeasurable. The lasting impression that he will leave on their hearts was the greatest gift of all. He taught them to enjoy life to the fullest. Alton was preceded in death by his loving mother, Frances Graham Tomanio. He is survived by his father Joseph Alton Jr., his sister Marsha Alton, his girlfriend Evelyn Jean Tinsley, his children Joseph Alton IV and Aimee Gomberg, and his five grandchildren, Hannah Gomberg, Michael Davis Alton, Isaac Alton, Sophia Gomberg, and Joseph Brock Alton.