Joseph Shaia

Joe was born February 28, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Louis and Ruby Shaia. In 1933 Joe moved to Decatur, Alabama where he was raised until he joined the navy for 4 years where he served in the Korean War assigned to AEWRON- 11 Tactical Patrol Squadron. Joe then transferred to the Air Force where he spent time flying the “Dew Line” with Tactical Air Command. Then during Vietnam, Joe went to the Tactical Air Command’s elite AC-130 gunships nicknamed “Puff the Magic Dragons”. In 1970 Joe retired as an E6 after 21 years of dedicated military service. After military service Joe went on to serve 24 years with the Department of Labor as a Medical Claims Examiner retiring again in 1994. Joe was an member of San Jose Catholic Church at times serving as a Eucharistic minister. Besides his parents Joe is predeceased by his brothers Louis and Charles Shaia, as well as his nephew Scott Shaia, and his niece Melinda Shaia. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Gloria, his sons Mark Shaia (Bette) of Bartow FL. and Timothy Shaia of Jacksonville, his four grandchildren; Joseph, Carlie, Benjamin, and Adam Shaia, and his nephews; Greg, John, and Christopher Shaia, along with his niece Elizabeth Shaia Bailey who will all cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 16th with Vigil Prayers at 7:30 p.m. in Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17th in San Jose Catholic Church, 3619 Toledo Rd. Jacksonville, with Rev. Donal Sullivan as Celebrant, followed by a committal ceremony with military honors in Oaklawn Cemetery. In keeping with Joes wishes, memorial donations may be sent to the National Association of Senior Veterans. www.nasv.org, or the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.