Joe joined the United States Navy in 1953 as an Aviation Storekeeper, working closely with aviation mechanics and maintenance staff in order to support Naval air operations in the Pacific. He served his country until he retired in 1974. He began work with CALTRANS providing residents in the state of California with a safe and sustainable transportation system. He was promoted to the position of Supply Manager and stayed with the company for 17 years until moving on to more fulfilling prospects. He was installed as a Mason in 2000 and within a span of 4 years he became a Building Manager as well as a Chaplain. His steadfast dedication to his Mason brothers earned him the prestigious Hiram Award; the highest achievement a California Mason can receive.