Driver In Deadly Jarrettsville Crash Was National Guardsman

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The man killed in a Jarrettsville crash has been identified as a soldier with the Maryland National Guard who helped support the COVID-19 response in Maryland.

Specialist Joseph Lee DePasquale died when his truck went off the road in Harford County, hit a tree and burst into flames, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

"It's with a very heavy heart that we announce the loss of one of our own," the Maryland National Guard reported Thursday.

DePasquale served the guard since October 2014 and was most recently on active-duty supporting the efforts in Maryland to battle the coronavirus. He was a decorated soldier who earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, according to the guard.

“Spc. Joseph DePasquale epitomized the optimism, dedication, and fraternity that turns a group of men into a band of brothers," said Capt. Bradley S. Dmuchowski, commander for C Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, which DePasquale served.

"His commitment and love for his family, his unit, and his community made him the ideal Guardsman," Dmuchowski said. "DePasquale was always the first to volunteer and did so happily. While he cannot be replaced as an individual, his positive impact on the world around him will continue to affect positive change long after he's gone. He will be missed by his entire 175th Infantry family, but he will never be forgotten."

DePasquale is survived by two children, 10 and 5; his partner and her family; and many relatives in his family, according to his obituary.

DePasquale, a lifelong Marylander who was born in Annapolis, will be remembered with a memorial gathering from 2–4 and 6–8 p.m. on Monday, July 26, at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.

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