Joseph Carretta Jr.

Joseph Carretta, Jr. of Springfield, VA passed on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at the age of 95. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Lucille; sons Henry (Debbie) and Kirk (Alison); daughter Maria; granddaughter Betsy; grandsons Michael (Laura) and Nicholas; and great-grandson Brennen. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Ellen (née Hornbeck), brother Patrick, and son Eric.

Joe was born in Amsterdam, NY on September 30, 1924 to Joseph and Louisa Carretta. The son of first-generation Italian immigrant parents, he learned to speak English in school.

Joe's life-long love of radio began early - earning his first radio license at 16. He and his brother Pat assembled their first radio station together and he operated CW and AM voice under the call sign W8VTE. His passion in radio technology was so strong that he skipped his high school graduation so he could start employment as a radio technician at the commercial radio station W47A in Schenectady, NY, a pioneer in the broadcasting of FM radio. After he returned from World War II, he continued to be active for many years in amateur radio and maintained a station as K4GIM, the call sign he held until his passing.

Joe joined the Navy in June 1943, to serve aboard the USS Rehoboth as an Aviation Electronics Technician's Mate in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His tour included post-war operations in Japan, China, and Korea. After he was honorably discharged in April 1946, Joe returned to the state of New York and attended Union College, where he studied engineering and worked as a radio technician. In 1950, he relocated to New York City and accepted a Broadcast Studio Technician position with the Voice of America, under the US Department of State. In 1954, he moved to Springfield and continued his work with Voice of America in Washington, D.C. until retiring in 1980.

Family and friends relied on him to fix anything and everything from woodwork to electronics. He was very handy, a proud do-it-yourselfer, who was not afraid to tackle any project around the house. He loved to share his experience and knowledge, taking joy in passing on his skills to his children and mentoring others.

Joe was a member of the American Legion Post 176 and a regular contributor to the US Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

He and Lucille were avid dancers who enjoyed ballroom and round dancing. They were both active members of those communities for many years.

Above all his family remembers and honors him as a kind father, husband and man. He led his family through the high points and sorrows of life with grace, love, and kindness. This is the accomplishment for which we will remember him.

The family request in lieu of flowers to make a donations to a charity of your choice in Joseph's honor.