Joseph Richard Armao

Joseph Richard Armao, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016. He was born in Manhattan, New York on December 12, 1926. Joseph began his career with the United States Government in February, 1945, as a member of the U.S. Navy. He served his country honorably and was a WWII veteran. Subsequently, he attended the University of Miami and graduated in 1951, with a BBA. In 1954, he initiated his civilian career with the United States Postal Service and remained there until April, 1961, when he was hired by the U.S. Labor Department, Wage and Hour Public Contracts Division. He was assigned to Columbia, SC as a Wage and Hour Investigator. In 1962, Joseph transferred to the North Miami Field Office as a GS-12. In 1963, he was promoted to a GS 13, becoming one of the first Assistant Directors in the country. In 1970, Joseph was reassigned to Miami, as the AAD where he remained until he retired as a GS 14 in 1990.

Joseph enjoyed many interests which included active memberships in the Miami and Melbourne Elks Lodges where special friendships were formed. He loved cross-country motor trips, cruises and was an avid reader. He loved to entertain family and friends and shared his talents of cooking and baking with them. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Eileen Armao, his stepson, George Gagne; stepdaughter, Gretchen Collins; and his grandson, Ian Collins; his granddaughter, Ashley Ayn Collins; and his great grandson, Khalil Haddir. He also leaves behind many loving brothers and sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Faith Viera Lutheran church at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016. The burial and graveside service will be Friday, September 2, 2016 at Woodlawn Cemetery, South Miami, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Melbourne Elks Lodge 1744.