Ad Astra: JOSEPH G. STAFF, 5 June, 2007

JOSEPH G. STAFF COCOA BEACH Joseph G. Staff, 89, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2007 after a prolonged illness. He was born August 1, 1917 in San Francis co, CA. Joe attended UCLA and Arizona State Teaching College, where he played football until he broke his shoulder. Joe volunteered for the USAF in 1942. After receiving Basic Training in Bakersfield, CA he took Fight Training at Minter Field, CA and received his commission as 2nd Lt. and his wings at Pecos Field, TX. Joe flew 35 combat missions in the European Theater during World War II. His plane, a B-17 was named Lucy Pierre. While stationed in Japan and Korea he flew numerous support missions. Colonel Staff retired from the USAF in 1965, after serving 24 years at Langley AFB, VA. Joe immediately went to work for Grumman Corp. in Bethpage, NY on the Lunar Module Program. Grumman transferred Joe to be Head Material Support for the Lunar Module Program at Kennedy Space Center. After retirement, he continued on as a consultant until 1977. He said his life's most significant experience was watching the astronauts land the Lunar Module on the Moon. Joe loved living in Cocoa Beach as well as the mountains of Franklin, NC. He was an active member of the Cocoa Beach Community Church. He was asked to give the benediction at family reunions. Being civic minded, he was a member of Grumman Retirees, Air Force Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Officers Club of Patrick AFB, Society of Logistical Engineers and numerous other organizations. He was widowed by Sally Anita Salyer. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary and numerous extended family members. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 9th at 12 noon at the Cocoa Beach Community Church with reception following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations in Joes name to Cocoa Beach Community Church. You may sign Joes guest book at beckmanwilliam son.com