Dedicated To Remembering Our SKs
Joseph Peter Giangrosso, WD4JZG/SK
(1948-April 26,2021)
Joseph Peter Giangrosso, Jr, 73, of Niceville, Florida, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021, surrounded by his family. He managed his diabetes since diagnosis at age 16, endured complications from heart surgeries, and dealt with ongoing dialysis.
Joe was born in Birmingham, Alabama to father Joseph Peter and mother Rose Schilleci Giangrosso. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America, graduated from Bessemer High School in 1965, Auburn University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering and Minor in Mechanical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology in 1977 studying engineering statistical analysis, University of Florida in 1981 with a Master of Science, Electrical Engineering, and Troy State University in 1988 with a Master of Science, Engineering Management.
In January 1973, Joe began his career as a contractor, and then as a DOD Contractor in December 1973. He retired from the DOD in 2008, but continued on his work as an engineer, all while growing his vast engineering experience. Joe also worked with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 1-4 of Destin, Florida. Joe had a passion and love for engineering, and enjoyed working every day.
Joe loved his cat, Bella, Guy Harvey and fishing, particularly deep-sea fishing down in Key West. His final request is to have a burial at sea and to be a part of an artificial reef formations along Key West to help create new marine habitats for fish and other sea life. He also donated faithfully to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Diabetes Association, and many other foundations. He was a kind, generous and loving man and survived by his partner Linda Hardy, a father to Joseph P. Giangrosso III and Michael Vincent Giangrosso, and brother to Sara Reese. Joe leaves behind Andrea Giangrosso, wife of Michael V. Giangrosso and 3 grandchildren Mickey, Makayla and Maggie Giangrosso, and Clarissa Golemboski, wife of Joe P. Giangrosso III and 3 step-grandchildren Mikayla, Gillian and Noah Golemboski.
Mo Hodgdon, NS4H/SK
(December 20, 1951-December 26, 2020)
Maurice “Mo” Everett Hodgdon passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on December 26, 2020 at his home in Mary Esther, Florida. Mo was born December 20, 1951 in Rochester, New Hampshire. He was proceeded in death by his parents Chauncey Hodgdon and Pauline Nason. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Diana Hodgdon, daughters Jennifer Hodgdon (Armondo Bell) and Amanda Jenkins (Adam); Son Logan Hodgdon; grandsons Andy Jenkins (Shiana), Alex Jenkins, AJ Bell, and Zayne Hodgdon; and great grandson Carson Jenkins.
Mo was a proud retired veteran of the United States Air Force, and is retired from Silver Sands School.
Mo was an enthusiastic ham radio operator under the call sign NS4H. This allowed him to reach out to contacts all over the world and beyond. He also enjoyed fishing and volunteering with various organizations throughout his life.
Bill Myers, KK4KF/SK
(April 18, 1951-September 22, 2015)
“Deputy Myers … served this community with distinction for decades. He was loved, admired, and respected for his dedication to the law enforcement profession. He loved photography and he had an ability to make those around him smile, especially his young granddaughter who he adored and took to Disney World as often as he could. We pray for his soul and for his family and we ask that the community pray for them as well, and for all the men and women who have the courage in these troubled times to put their lives on the line for others.” –Sheriff Larry Ashley
Paul A Foster, WB8UNT/SK
(August 27, 1944-October 25, 2013)
A lifelong educator, Paul continued a family legacy established generations before him, and inspired many others to join the profession. Paul enjoyed a 30-year teaching career at Aiken High School and Cincinnati Technical College. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
After retirement, and moving to Fort Walton Beach, Paul worked 11 years for the Supervisor of Elections office and proudly served on the Board of Trustees at Northwest Florida State College. His community service also included Okaloosa Island Fire Commissioner, CERT, Leaseholders Association, and Playground Amateur Radio Club. Paul was an avid supporter of the Eastern Panhandle Regional Science Fair, judging and mentoring students and representing the Playground Amateur Radio Club in providing awards to students whose projects related to Amateur Radio. This was one of Paul’s favorite involvements as it was a combination of his teaching profession and his hobby. It afforded him the opportunity to continue his mission to help students and to promote his hobby of amateur radio.