Melvin E. Joos

6-1-1934 to 11-7-2020

Melvin E. Joos of Ridley Park, PA passed away on November 7, 2020 from natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances Joos, and their three children: William Joos and wife Lauren, Michael Joos and wife Lorrie, Patti Greto and husband James. Melvin has 7 grandchildren and one great grandchild—as well as another great grandchild expected in March of 2021. He is also survived by his brother Ronald Joos and wife Doris.

Mel was born and raised in Brooklawn, NJ and graduated from Gloucester City High School in 1952. He spent nearly a decade helping his family build a new home in Medford on their 31 acres of land that included a beautiful lake. Mel originally joined the Navy Reserve before going to active duty from 1956-1958, during which he learned Morse code and how to navigate by the stars while serving as a Petty Officer on the destroyer USS Frank E . Evans . During this time, he attended the Olympic games in Melbourne, Australia and visited more than 20 countries. After serving his country, he worked in the sheet metal industry before becoming Production Control Manager. Throughout his professional career, he worked with GE, Ludwig Honald, Airside Systems and Lenape Forged Products. Mel had the honor of working on various prestigious projects including the Lunar Module for the Apollo missions and the Minuteman Missile.

As an Eagle Scout who hiked the mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and canoed the lakes of Canada, Melvin always had an adventurous spirit. He eventually served as an Assistant Scoutmaster and had a great love for the outdoors. When Mel retired, he and Fran joined the Folsom Schoolhouse Senior Center, where he served as president. They both enjoyed traveling and sightseeing on several cruises with their friends. They visited Alaska, the Panama Canal, Hawaii (50 years after Mel had spent time there while in the Navy), and cruised throughout the Caribbean together. Mel was a talented storyteller and enjoyed sharing his travel and experience with his children and grandchildren.

Mel loved his country and proudly flew the American Flag. He was a history buff with a special interest in the American Revolution and Civil War, and spent years visiting all the historic homes and battlefields of the era. Mel had a fascination for the space program from his involvement with the Lunar Module and Minutemen Missile, which also led to his interest in UFOs. He will always be remembered for his summer pool parties and marathon pinochle games. Mel loved the saying, "Poor people plan for Saturday night. Rich people plan for the next generation." He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to share sympathy to consider making a charitable donation to disabled veterans in Melvin's honor.