Joseph E. Judge of Tempe passed away peacefully on November 14, 2010 with his family by his side. Joe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Fiona; sons, Bill (Audrey) and Bob (Holly); daughter, Katrina Haydon (Vern); grandchildren, Jason, Haley, Liam, Gregory, Jack, and Landon; sister, Jean Aker of Corning, NY, and brother, Thomas of Duryea, PA.
Joe was born on March 31, 1943 in Pittston, PA to Edward and Mary Judge (O’Rourke). Joe attended high school in Corning, New York before enlisting in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. After graduating from USAF basic training and technical school, Joe was stationed at RAF Bentwaters near Ipswich, England where he met the love of his life, Fiona. Joe’s military service concluded with retirement in 1987, having served our country for 26 years and having attained the rank of SMSgt. Awards medals and citations included the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Upon retirement from active duty military, Joe went on to 20 more years of civil service, including many years of employment at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. In a fitting finish to a life of service, Joe drove a school bus for Kyrene School District.
Joe was a proud and honorable man who deeply loved his family and his country. He spent his life fiercely defending both. His most enjoyable moments were spent riding his motorcycle on sunny Arizona days and traveling to Europe with Fiona on one of their many visits. He was a man of unshakeable principles.
Visitation and memorial services will be held at Carr-Tenney Mortuary, 2621 S. Rural Road, Tempe, on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 3:00. A private interment, with full military honors, will take place at a later date at the National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek, Arizona.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center ICU for their wonderful care of Joe in his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Arizona Humane Society or to Disabled American Veterans.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18