Joseph Hugh Fife Jr.

Captain Joseph Hugh Fife Jr., age 81, of North Fort Myers, FL, passed away on June 5th in his home that he shared with his beloved wife Patricia (Laskowsky) Fife of 32 years. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Joseph and Frances Fife; loving father of Dawn (Macasek) Shields and her husband, Dan, John Macasek and his wife, Dana; dear grandpa of Eric, Ryan, Colton, Jake and Lani; brother of Bruce Fife and his wife, Jackie, Jan Martin and her husband, Mike, Sandra Pressau and her husband, Marty; brother-in-law of Ed Laskowsky, Andy Laskowsky, Donna Kieswetter and her husband Chuck. Joe is also survived by his many nieces and nephews.

Throughout Joe’s life he followed a path of intellectual and technical excellence. Joe became a licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic at an early age, graduating from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics with an associate degree. He put his new certificate to work and was hired initially by Allegheny Airlines as an aircraft mechanic. He went on to further expand his aviation expertise and eventually rose through the pilot ranks and became an Airline Transport Pilot. Joe handed in his wrenches for wings and proudly served with Allegheny Airlines and, eventually, USAirways for 33 years.

Joe’s life was fueled by his passion and love for aviation. He was an avid radio-controlled aircraft builder and flyer investing most years of his life perfecting his ability to craft astonishing works of aviation replicas, models and flying machines. This translated into an amazing ability to go on building several experimental aircraft. He enjoyed flying his creations and being heavily involved in the Experimental Aircraft Association and many other aviation organizations; participating in fly-ins, aviation events and even performing in airshows, flying his home-built aircraft.

Joseph enjoyed giving back to the aviation community by participating in open houses and flying young men and women in the Young Eagles program to help spark interest in potential aviation careers. Joe was always lending a hand to help those around him by sharing his knowledge and skills. He exemplified the epitome of excellence and was a true role model for everyone in the way he treated others and approached every challenge in life.

Celebration of Life for Joe Fife, June 12th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Rd 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Lunch to follow the memorial at GoGo Diner, 957 Pondella Rd, N. Ft Myers, FL 33903

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics, https://www.modelaircraft.org.