Joseph Cornelius Moynihan

Joseph C. Moynihan was born and raised in an Irish Catholic family in Lawrence, MA, during the post-WWII era. He was the second of four children to Margaret and Joe Moynihan, a first generation Irish-American. After finishing high school, Joseph completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Lowell Technological Institute (UMASS Lowell) in 1968. Joseph worked several jobs and earned his way through college. In June 1968, Joseph accepted a commission in the USAF and was subsequently assigned to Tinker AFB, OK, where he later met his wife, Sharon C. Moynihan, through mutual friends. Joseph and Sharon married in 1970. In 1971, Joseph applied for and was accepted into pilot training and became a pilot in the USAF. At the encouragement of Joseph, Sharon also joined the USAF, specializing in nursing. Joseph and Sharon welcomed a daughter, Nora, in Texas, 1975 and a son, Daniel, in Alabama, 1982. During his 26-year career, Joseph and Sharon moved multiple times while they both advanced through the ranks until both retired in 1994 as Colonels. A strong advocate of education, Joseph earned a Master’s degree and later a PhD in Political Science from St Louis University. Reflecting on his career, Joseph believed his most fulfilling assignment was in Anchorage, AK, as the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) squadron commander. Always looking for their next adventure, Joseph and Sharon moved overseas to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the next several years. While in UAE, Joseph began working for Northrop Grumman Corp (NGC) as a Vice President. Joseph later retired from NGC and he and Sharon settled in the Northeast. Joseph is remembered as having a positive outlook on life and always seeing the best in people, especially family. His hobbies included reading, traveling, exercising, politics and learning about new cultures. Despite moving frequently, Joseph was a lifelong Boston Red Sox, Celtics and New England Patriots fan and referred to the Boston area as his home. Joseph is predeceased by both of his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon of CA; his two children, Nora (Henry) Burgess of VA and Daniel (Emily) Moynihan of CA, along with three grandchildren, Neil Burgess, Virginia Burgess and John Moynihan. He is also survived by his three sisters, Mary Lou (Ron) Leach of MD, Eileen (Pat) Eisenman of CT, and Margaret (Chris) Murphy of MA, as well as four nieces and two nephews.

A military service and interment date and time is TBD at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Arlington National Cemetery has a long wait time for interments with an estimated date of Fall 2025. As more information becomes available during the next year, this site will be updated. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association via https://act.alz.org and click on “Donate.” Remembrances or cards may be sent to Sharon Moynihan, Pasadena Highlands, 1575 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91104.