Growing up, he loved flying and earned his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. He attended Georgia Tech and received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Auburn University. A retired Lt. Commander naval aviator, he served two separate tours of active duty in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a carrier pilot on the USS Bennington and USS Forrestal and flew the AD Skyraider and A4 Skyhawk. He was the founder, president and CEO of RAO Electric, RAF Company and RAF Magnetics.
He served as President (1975-76) and Governor (1977-89) of the National Electrical Contractors Association (N.E.C.A.) and was a member of the National Electrical Code Making Panels 2 & 16.
He was a member of the following organizations: Northwood Kiwanis Club (President 1976-77), Singer Island Kiwanis Club, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National and Palm Beach County Eagle Scout Organizations. Joseph was an avid ballroom dancer, photographer, golfer, keyboard player and Miami Dolphins fan.
Joseph is survived by his two children, Joseph (Jay) Warren Rao III (Paula), Patti Rao; six grandchildren, Logan, Riley, Carlyn, Joseph IV, Anthony & Angela, four step grandchildren, three great step grandchildren and sister, Rita Manlove. He was preceded in death by his two sisters Anna Helen Rao and Eleanor Witthoefft and former wife and mother of his children, Peggy C. Rao.
