Joseph A. Grinarml

Joseph Anthony Grinarml, 90, of Merritt Island Florida, passed away peacefully from natural causes, on January 9, 2026. Born in West Newton, Pennsylvania to the late Julia and Gaza Grinarml, Joseph, known as Joe, grew up as a farm boy with his two brothers and two sisters. After high school, Joe joined the Navy, serving 4 years as a radar technician.

Following his military service, Joe spent four years at Penn State University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.

Joe was hired in 1962 as a General Dynamics engineer at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where he worked on the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile program for five years before he joined NASA‘s manned space program . There, he worked on the Apollo and shuttle programs before retiring in 1995.

Joe had a strong work ethic and was a fine craftsman. He enjoyed working with his hands and being outdoors. In 1978, Joe constructed his own home from the ground up with the help of his then wife, Suzan, and his children, Jill, Jennifer, and Jef. Joe loved his garden and growing his own fruits and vegetables and became captivated with golf after he retired.

But Joe’s greatest passion was bicycling. Joe began bicycling back in 1978 when he borrowed his daughter’s bike and rode to work out at the Kennedy Space Center. Joe started riding with the Space Coast Freewheelers where he served as president and was a club member for more than 35 years. In 2000, Joe and a friend biked cross country from Merritt Island to Oregon and In 2004 at the age of 68, Joe and a friend peddled from San Diego, California to Brevard county in 5-1/2 weeks. Joe celebrated his 80th birthday by leading a group of bikers on an 80-mile ride through Brevard county.

Joe was a hard-working man who will be remembered for his ingenuity and perseverance, qualities that defined both his work and personal life. He had integrity and humility and a steady presence that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his three children, Jill (Blaise), Jennifer (Kevin) and Jeffrey (Giovanna); nine grandchildren, Jillian, Skyler, Jarrod, Josie, Simon, Bobby, Julia, Camden, and Mazzy; and three great grandchildren, Oliver, Naomi, and Rocky; sister Anne Grinarml Stickrath (Paul) and brother Donald Grinarml (Betty). He is predeceased by his brother Robert and his sister Julia.

A private service for family and friends will be held at the Cape Canaveral National Veterans Cemetery for the internment of Joe at a later date.