Just scrolling through my phone tonight, I found little Joey D. had left us, way too young.  It is through tears that I write this.  My first memory of Joey was seeing him hanging upside down in a tree outside your home at Shaw AFB.  Kathy was yelling something at either Nick or Joey.  Our families became good friends.  Trips to the lake and to the beach, so many memories.  Joey spent his last few weeks with us before his first tour in Afghanistan. George spent so much time trying to get him organized.  And I worried each night when he didn’t come home until the wee hours of the morning.  George had to remind me that he was no longer the little Joey D, but a grown man.  Joey was born to dance.  I wonder if Kathy still has to call to awaken him?  My love to Joe, Nick and the rest of the DiRosario family.   Jane Andren

Instead of trying to figure out what memories to include, I thought I would share the eulogy I gave instead.

To My Dear Cousin Joe,
How can any words console you or Nick about the the loss of Joe, Joseph … and after losing Kathy ? 
I wish i could have been there along with Michael to hug you and tell you how so very very sorry I am that you are suffering again in a such a short time .

My Love and Sincere Sorrow…..
Peggy

I was stunned and saddened to learn of Joe's untimely death. He devoted his life to the good. The country has one less hero. God bless Joe. My condolences to Joe Sr. and the rest of his family.

Col, Nick, and Family, 
I pray for comfort to you.  I worked with Joe for  a few years here in Philadelphia at GSA.  We were on a "Forms and Scopes" team that refined standard templates used in the Region and I enjoyed many lunches with him.  I also was in the AF so we talked military stuff, etc.  
Sincerely,
Rich Frattarelli

Nick and Family  - I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies upon the loss of your brother. Be at peace and God Bless.

Respectfully,

Colonel Doc Pepper, USAF, (Retired)

I worked with Joe at GSA in Philadelphia.  We enjoyed sharing Air Force stories and I am very sorry to learn of his passing.  My condolences to his girlfriend and family.  Jeff Linskens

Busch Gardens after many rollercoaster rides on the "Big Bad Wolf".

Katelyn Joe and Christopher Busch Garden in Virginia. Joe took them on their 1st rollercoaster ride "Big Bad Wolf". Both were scared  and Cried But took care of them and yea they rode it again and again. Both still love the thrill of a rollercoaster today. Joe then won them two stuff dogs. Always

The passing of Joe filled my heart with sadness and my eyes with tears. Joe was not just my wingman and friend but a brother I never had. I have known Joe since 2015, when he joined the unit, and the rest is history. Joe dedicated his life to the Air Force for approximately 18 years, where he had a tremendous impact domestically and globally. He is an example of Air Force core values; he always had integrity, put service before himself, and never performed anything short of exceptional.
Joe was always there for me during good times and bad times. He always celebrated my accomplishments and supported me during my grief and rough times, especially when I lost my parents. He is a person you can rely on and always extends his assistance.
His body is gone, but his memories, footprints, and accomplishments will always be alive and forever remembered.
God has chosen to end Joe’s pain and give him peaceful and eternal life in heaven.
On the bright side, now I have a connection in heaven.

I miss you, my friend, rest in peace. You are forever in my thoughts.

To all who loved Joseph, I am so very sorry for your horrific loss. Joseph’s death comes 50 years too soon. I pray you have God’s grace as you walk this path of sorrow and grief that has been forced upon you. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you all.

I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Joe personally, but I do know he brought a lot of happiness to my friend Kristi. It’s excruciating to lose someone you love, even more so when they pass too young. I pray you have the strength beyond what is normal to endure this impossible time. My heart aches for your loss. Sending much love and support.

My heart mourns the loss of a remarkable individual. Together, we spent the young years of our military and adult lives stationed at Davis Monthan and AFIT. The bonds we forged through shared laughter, tears, and the pursuit of knowledge created enduring memories.

Joe's unwavering loyalty and friendship were constants in my young adult life. His presence was a source of joy, and the camaraderie we experienced during those years will forever be etched in my heart.  

Love you brother.

Forever young with that beautiful baby face. 💔 Still feels so surreal.  A life cut short is always tragic, but if their life burned brightly, their brightness shines for all time. My favorite memory of Joey is attending one of his ballroom dance competitions with his beloved Mom. He was very good and I was so taken by his passion. I think he was his happiest on the dance floor. 
“A soldier’s journey is marked by courage, resilience, and honor.”
Only the brave get that distinction.
 I will be forever grateful for your service to our Country. Your  loving parents and family couldn’t have been prouder. The DiRosario family has a special place in my heart and I pray Joe, Nick, Jen, Zach, Tony and Mel can find some comfort in all their precious memories.  Joey’s legacy will live on by all the lives he touched.  I find some peace knowing your struggle and suffering has ended and you are now in God’s kingdom, when he whispered “Come to me”
And I know you had the best
 “Welcome Home” greeting by your sweet Mama.

I have few words, only sorrow for the whole family.  My connections with the DiRosario family run deep.  Joe Sr was my first squadron commander, and then 16 years later I was Joe Jr's first squadron commander.  Having Joe Sr as a mentor throughout my Air Force career meant I was always in the know about the whole family and I certainly know how proud all were of Joe Jr following in Dad's footsteps as an Air Force civil engineer.  I smile fondly thinking of Joe Jr coming to my office early in the mornings seeking guidance and mentorship.  He was eager to succeed and did just that.  May god hold you all closely to celebrate the 39 years we were all blessed to have Joe be part of our lives.

OBITUARY

Lt. Col. Joseph Patrick Di Rosario USAF

February 8, 1984 – January 23, 2024

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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