Joseph Warden Caldwell, Jr.

Joseph Warden Caldwell, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 25, 2026. Joe was born on November 17, 1942 in Washington, DC to Joseph W. and Alberta Phipps Caldwell.

Joe was raised in Morningside, Maryland and as a teen became a volunteer firefighter at Morningside VFD, Co. 27. This led to a long, impressive career in firefighting. He started as a career firefighter in Montgomery County working at Silver Spring VFD. From there, he moved to the Prince Georges County fire department in 1966. He had many assignments there including Silver Hill, Station 29, Tuxedo-Cheverly, Station 22, Fire Training Division, Battalion Chief 1, and Executive Officer to the Office of the Fire Chief. He retired in 1990 as Bureau Chief 4, Fire and Rescue Operations. Joe was also a member of the original “P Street” softball team competing in the IAFF softball tournaments to benefit muscular dystrophy.

Joe married the love of his life, Jean S. Manifold in October 1965 and they went on to have one son, Joseph Warden Caldwell, III.

Upon his retirement, Joe began to invest more time in his artistic abilities and became an award-winning woodcarver, predominantly featuring waterfowl and birds but he truly could do almost anything requested of him. Around this time, he also began teaching wood carving classes for Anne Arundel Community College at the senior center in Edgewater, MD and was still teaching at the time of his passing. Aside from his career and artistic capabilities, the title, Joe held most dear was that of “Andan” to his three grandchildren. He was the most loving, patient, nurturing, and dedicated Andan.

He embraced this title so much that it wasn’t long before he was called Andan by many.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Alberta and his beloved wife Jean. He is survived by his son, Joseph Warden, III and his wife, Jennifer, his grandchildren, Hayley, Christopher, and Natalie Caldwell, his brother Robert “Dee” Caldwell, two sister in laws, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joe was truly one of a kind. There aren’t enough words to express what a wonderful person he was. The world really was better with him in it and he will be forever, greatly missed.