Tributes and Memorials

Joe, I only helped teach one scuba class and you are the memory I take from that experience. Lastly was our dive trip to Cape Hatteras and the dive boat left us 20+ miles out at sea. Thankfully they came back and got us. The way we looked at each other when we realized we were alone. That's how I feel now. You will be missed.

I recall a lot of good memories sisters going to the prom with future husbands,double dates,especially good times when the whole family got together at Christmas and went on trips to vegas.The best memorie I have is when my sister and joe surprised me with a limo trip to d.c.you made that a special time I will never forget. joe you will truly be missed but forever in our hearts.

Joe, It was great working directly with you throughout the years. Especially, these last several years as a contractor. I really liked your story telling. While on Guam, when you were riding your bike you were attacked by a pack of boonie dogs. Then after that you carried a bottle of bleach spray to keep the boonie dogs at bay. Will miss not talking and seeing you all the time. Cheers,

Joe was a wonderful brother-in -law I remember all the vacations we took together and all the fun we all had. I
went to a Antique store the other day and it remined me of you Joe when I saw the hot wheel cars. what I remember most is trying to beat you in cards we know that didn't happen much LOL .
You will be truly missed but we know we have another angel in heaven watching over us.

CINDY

I worked with Joe for a few years. I read his memorial page bio and did not know he was a former Coast Guardsman. He enlisted a year after I did as I served from 77-81. I assume he was a radioman.
Maxine, I posted the picture of him in his Coast Guard uniform on the CG veterans FB group. It has received over 511 likes and 120 comments. One of the veterans, Philip Tarshis posted a picture of Joe, Maxine and Travis. Most of the comments were Fair Winds and Following Seas. Maxinje, Travis and Jaclyn, I am so sorry for your loss.

I've known Joe for many years. Being a former Navy guy I always gave him a hard time about being a Coastie. Lots of respect for those guys for real. We both graduated from Clovis High School, me in 1975 and he in 1976, but mine is located in New Mexico. Will miss you buddy and your Jeed stories and Matchbox stories....

Dad, I look back on one of my favorite diving experiences with you. We were in the Bahamas down forty feet when you spotted a sunken airplane. We took a picture sitting on the plane’s wing that I will always cherish. I know you will always be with me in all my future dives.

My condolences, Maxine and Travis.
I met you for the first time at a Flaherty Family picnic held at my Mom’s house in Fairfax many, many years ago. Until then, I only knew Joe’s father and sister. Even though we are miles apart, I enjoy our Christmas exchanges.

I’m going to miss you
Oh the fun we had on our vacations together
Miss you joe

Uncle Joe sure will be missed by all. I remember when I was little he and Aunt Maxine would come visit us in California and he looked forward to taking my brother and I to wild waters every year. Uncle Joe loved anything that had to do with water. Sadly as an adult I didn't get to spend much time with him but miss him deeply. Hope he is having one heck of a party with papa in heaven. Love you!!!!

Travis and I surprised his parents with a zipline excursion during our Caribbean cruise. On our vacation I got to see Joe in a whole new light. As we soured through the jungle tree tops Joe was very adventurous, trying different ticks from hands free to ziplining backwards and he even traveled upside down. Joe had a zest for life which shone brightly when he was with his friends and family. I am blessed to call Joe my father-in-law, he will always be apart of my family.

Maxine & Travis -- I remember when Joe and you guys sponsored Sean and me upon arrival in Guam, on our first ever PCS. Along with his beloved partner-in-everything Maxine, Joe so generously shared of his time and wisdom, really getting us off to a great start. I later discovered that this was just how Joe was with everyone -- always looking out to be helpful and make a difference. The other thing that came shining through about Joe even in the midst of working on this mission or that, was how very much he loved and adored both of you -- you guys meant the world to him. Many blessings to you. -Donna H.

Joe,

I will miss your friendship - our visit to Atlantic City, you and Maxine visiting here in TN and our brief visits when I transit NVA. I hope they some good antique shops where you are and you have happy hunting.
Poker games will not be the same without you and I am sad that when the “Joe Buzzer” went off it was for the final time.

Joe, we had 42 wonderful years together and life was always an adventure. We traveled the world and raised a great son. I will cherish the memories of our life together until we meet again.