Joseph Anthony Aurelia's Obituary
A native of Brooklyn, and Long Island, New York, Joseph “Joe” Anthony Aurelia passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024 at the age of 81 in Tallahassee, Florida.
After graduating West Islip High School he joined the United States Air Force where he served for 4 years. After his time in the Air Force, he received a Bachelors Degree in Physics from Long Island University, then a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Central Florida. He had a long career as an electrical engineer working in California, New York, Texas, and Florida with NASA at Kennedy Space Center. He retired from NASA in 1997 and then joined the school system in Titusville, Florida on a contract NASA had with the school system teaching top students physics. His love of math and science led him to teach math, physics and electronics in college. He was adored by his students who loved his sense of humor. He also did contract engineering for three years in Kokomo, Indiana. He finally retired permanently and settled in Palm Coast, Florida for 23 years.
Joe donated his teaching talent to tudor students of all ages. This was one of his ministries at church. He often said as a child he had difficulties with studies and that’s why he donated his expertise to help others so they wouldn’t face the same difficulties he experienced.
Although his heart ultimately failed, his love of life and generous heart never waivered. He enjoyed life and helping people in all areas. He always donated to charities of all kinds. Volunteering his help was one of his pleasures. He was a longtime active member of his church community, Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, Florida, where his assisted in their homeless ministry.
His hobbies included scuba diving, traveling, stamp collecting and snow skiing. In his younger years he enjoyed recreational small plane flying. His travels took him to many places, including Mexico, Italy, Hawaii, and the Bahamas, as well as many of our United States.
Joe is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Barbara (Kevin), Jake, Alyson (Dave) and Asheigh (Shawn), and his grandchildren Elisabeth, Caden, Taylor (Emily) and Tanner (Heather) and seven great -grandchildren, aunts, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service is scheduled for March 15, 2024 beginning with a Celebration of Life gathering at Red Hills Retirement Village at 10:00 AM, followed with a committal service at 1:00 PM at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.
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