Joseph P. Earley, 80, an actor, writer and producer, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at his home in Plymouth Meeting surrounded by his family.Husband of Kathleen (Tarras) Earley.Joseph was born in Philadelphia on March 16, 1929, a son of the late Daniel and Delia B. (McKenna) Earley.He lived in the same house in Plymouth Meeting with his wife, Kathleen since 1970.He attended LaSalle High School and College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. After graduating, he taught at Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia for a short time before walking into an open audition in Philadelphia for the Ernie Kovacs show and got the job - one of the original members of the show.After that he continued along the acting path originating the role of Mr. Rivets and Mr. Postman on "The Gene London Show;" starring in many plays in the Philadelphia area with the Philadelphia Drama Guild; appearing on "Meeting of Minds" on PBS with Steve Allen; hosting his own syndicated educational program "Come Along" portraying many historical characters in each episode.Joe also appeared in the motion picture David and Lisa and also The Lost Man, staring Sidney Poitier.Joseph portrayed historical characters for many television shows, talks shows, news programs and personal appearances.He was most known for portraying Theodore Roosevelt and Benjamin Franklin in the Philadelphia area and nationally as well.Joe was a member of AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and Broadcast Pioneers, and he also has won two Emmys, one from the Los Angeles chapter and one from the Philadelphia chapter.In recent years, he had retired from acting and focused his talents on writing a novel.He was a very talented painter as well.Joe was a very devout Catholic and belonged to St. Philip Neri RC Church.Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Christine D. Earley of Plymouth Meeting; sister, Mary Ellen Earley of Lafayette Hill; niece, Maryellen (Michael) DeLuca; nephew, James Earley; great niece, Tessa.He was preceded in death by his brothers: James (and his wife, Helen) Earley, and Rev. Daniel Earley O.S.F.S.His Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, July 11 at 10:30 am from St. Philip Neri RC Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill with Msgr. Charles P. Vance officiating. Friends may call Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Moore & Snear Funeral Home, 300 Fayette street, Conshohocken and also Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church. Interment Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to American Cancer Society, 700 Horizon Circle, Suite 201, Chalfont, PA 18914.