Waterman, Joseph R., of Sarasota, FL, Lt. Col. USAF, ret. passed away peacefully on April 1, 2014. Born in Oswego, NY on September 13, 1920, he earned his BS in military engineering from the US Military Academy at West Point, graduating 7th in his class. Mr. Waterman also received his pilot training at West Point and bomber training school in California, leading to his honorable, decorated career with the USAF. While studying at West Point Joe was known as an expert marksman, captaining the rifle team during his time there.

Mr. Waterman served his country flying combat missions in the South Pacific in World War II. He returned to the US at the end of the war and earned his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1952. From there he returned to West Point where he began his role as an instructor. He flew combat duty during the Vietnam war, retiring in 1972 after 28 years of service to his country. Joe's love of flying continued his entire life. He flew planes recreationally until the age of 82, accumulating a total of over 7,500 flight hours. His hobbies included golfing, fishing, reading and exercise which he continued daily up until his recent illness. He was an extremely patriotic and remarkable man with an undying dedication to his family, the church and his country. Always humble in his accomplishments, Joe was the first to lend a helping hand in his role as a parent, friend or officer. Revered by all, Joe was an excellent storyteller, using his uncanny memory and astounding recall to share the events of his life. Often his dry sense of humor punctuated his storytelling with his unforgettable warm chuckle and the gleam in his eyes. He was, and will continue to be, a role model for all who knew him.

Mr. Waterman was a loving husband and exceptional father. He is predeceased by his wife Mary Lou ( Sanders) in 1992 and daughter Margaret Ellen Beverly (Waterman) in 1981. He is survived by his loving children, daughter Lisa Pattison and husband Pat of Newton, Ma; son Bill Waterman and wife Dionne of Sturbridge, Ma; son Randy Waterman and wife Deb of Westborough, Ma; and son Brian Waterman of Leicester, Ma. He also leaves behind his loving grandchildren Casey, Randy, Brittany, Bailey, Matt, Taylor, Taniel, Logan and Jarret.
Funeral services are private and will be handled by Burke and Blackington Funeral Home in Newton, MA. Mr. Waterman will be buried alongside his loving wife and his daughter in Newton Cemetery on April 7, 2014. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

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