On Sunday, April 26th, 2020, Joe Mechelay passed away, in Conroe, TX at the age of 85 with his family by his side. Joe was born to Joseph and Anne Mechelay, October 19th, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from New York University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and was commissioned in 1957, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1963, Joe left the USAF and moved his family to Houston, TX; beginning a long and satisfying career with NASA. He raised his five children with his wife Ann in Dickinson, TX.
He was an avid jogger and later in life enjoyed golf. Camping with the family, water skiing, shrimping in the local bays and fishing were activities Joe enjoyed immensely.
One of Joe’s greatest loves was being a referee for both high school basketball and football in the Houston area. He was a football referee for over 40 years finally retiring from the field at the age of 72. This passion included the high school bands; as many times he could be seen dancing on the sidelines.
Joe’s self-identity was his love and commitment to NASA – he simply lived for it. In 1972 Joe became the manager of NASA’s Mission Evaluation Room; otherwise known as “The MER”. Joe guided the MER for 18 years including the final Apollo missions, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle missions. In 1990, he retired from NASA and began an extensive consulting career supporting NASA with the Shuttle program.
In retirement, Joe enjoyed travelling the country living in his RV. He also enjoyed many cruise vacations to numerous international locations including Antarctica.
Joe is preceded in death by his first wife Ann Weber, his second wife Mary Mechelay, her daughter Amanda, and his long-time partner Carol Bashara. He was extremely proud of his children and their families: Jim & Patty Schulze of Conroe, TX, their children, Greg his wife Kacy, their daughters Adeline and Lilybelle, Steven his wife Delanie, their sons Jett and Mack , Leslie Book and husband Bryan, their daughter Jordan, their sons Jesse and Patrick, Russell his wife Lauren, their son Maverick, and Rene’ Schulze and fiancé Ted Steinhauser; Dianne & Bob Kasper of Gettysburg, PA, their daughters, Kristine, Sara, and Kimberly; Joe & Edie Mechelay of Pampa, TX, their daughter Angela Jaglowicz her husband Chris, their sons David and Daniel, their daughter Diana, and sons Joseph and Michael; Eddie & Deanna Mechelay of Thornton, CO, their son Mitch his wife Hayli, their son Decker and daughter Charley, and Matt; Jim & Krissi Mechelay of Waxahachie, their son Jerrod and his wife Toni, and James; and Joe’s step daughter Kim Zech her husband Neal, their sons Jacob and John and daughters Julie and Jane.
Private family graveside will be held in Garden Park Cemetery in Conroe, Texas. Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18