Joseph M. Starita

Joe, you were, and are, a visionary, a profound change-maker, and an all-around wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends, and to all who had the opportunity to work with you. You are sorely missed as one who ALWAYS wore the "white-hat" ! Thank you for all you have done, and for the legacy you have created.

My sincere condolences to all who had the extreme pleasure and fortune to have worked with you.

Godspeed on this journey. Rest in peace.

I was shocked to learn of Joe's death. There are some people who you just think will live forever, Joe was like that.

I worked at Rheometrics as my first job after college, and it was a really wonderful experience. We had a small very creative engineering team, headed by Ron Garritano. Joe frequently invited customers, Academics and researchers to provide input on our products, and was always interested in trying new things.

I probably would have stayed at Rheometrics...

The January issue of the Society of Rheology Bulletin had a notice of Joe's death. Like many who have spoke before me, this was a shock and very sad. I knew Joe only through Rheology; when I met him, he was CEO of Rheometrics (with 6 employees), and in the mid 70's personally installed our first rheometer. It was a great experience and included many hours of education and laughing. Six months later I called him to get some help. The "air bearing" had jammed from contaminated, compressed...

Dear Joe, It was pleasure to work with your company during my Hercules days in developing techniques to rheologicaly relate structure - properties for polymer melt. Those days in early 80's with Glen Zeichner (my boss), Ron Garratino and yourself bring back some very fond memories. Thanks for the wonderful opportunities your company provide us and will cherish the memories. May you rest in peace.

I am thankful to have known Joe and for the opportunity to work for Rheometrics. It was a wonderful learning environment in which I have so many fond memories.

I was so fortunate to have known Joe for over 30 tears. I started working for Joe in 1976 and I am still working on some of the designs developed during some very exciting times at Rheometrics. The early years at Rheometrics were the most productive in its history. Looking back, it's hard to phantom how we developed so many instruments in such a short time period.

Joe was the catalyst. He loved the Science, assembled a very competent team, treated us all as partners and always...

We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Joe very long, but his drive and dedication to excellence and improving animal care and his tremendous love and support for Renee were evident each time we spoke with him. Noah’s Ark is a fitting tribute to their combined passion, enthusiasm, and vision. Renee, please accept our deepest sympathy and know that we are here for you always.

Dear Joe, I fondly recall our many times together. It was always a thrill to work through designs for rheometers with you. Your ideas were plentiful and inspirational; your integrity was unquestionable; your smile was irrepressible.