He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the oldest son of Alfred and Bertha. He attended school at St. Patrick’s and graduated from Mechanical Arts High School. He spent his summers at his grandfather’s farm in New Hampshire.
He always loved airplanes. As a child he enjoyed making model airplanes, and entered the U.S. Air Force at 18 years of age, starting as an aircraft mechanic, and worked his way up to Chief Master Sergeant, as an aircraft maintenance database analyst. He had various assignments throughout the United States, as well as Greenland, Okinawa, and Thailand, where he was awarded a bronze star for meritorious service, as well as many other commendations during his career. He retired after 29 years of service, but then continued to work for the Air Force as a civil servant for another 31 years, retiring at the ripe old age of 78 and receiving a medallion for 60 years of service to his country. He obtained his private pilot’s license and thoroughly enjoyed flying with his friend, Carl, out at Meadow Lake Airport.
In August 1950 he took Dolores as his beloved wife. Since he had already been stationed in Alaska and she still resided and worked in Boston, he had asked his father to propose to her on his behalf. They had two daughters, Elaine, the oldest, who survives, and Diane, who passed away in 1972. Dolores passed away in 2004. Joseph also leaves behind his two sisters, Rose and Lucille, and one brother, Alfred, all of Massachusetts, as well as his godchild, Dina, and many dear friends.
He was a devoted, loving and caring husband and father. His kind spirit will be truly missed by all.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, July 2nd, at 9:30 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
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