Joseph Messilio Ginanni

1947 - 2014

Joseph Messilio Ginanni left the ground and took his final flight skyward on Saturday, February 15, 2014.
Joe was born January 15, 1947, in Carlsbad, N.M., to Messilio (Cecil) and Esther (Billy Hegler) Ginanni. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1965; from NMSU, Las Cruces, in 1971 with the rank of 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force. Joe was raised on a farm where he learned many of his skills, talents and habits. He was active in 4-H, winning many awards and trips to Chicago and Washington, D.C., for his achievements and leadership. Joe worked summers during high school running the first J.I. Case windrower in the valley. He saved his money to attend college.
Joe's first love was flying; he got his private license when he was 18, joined the Air Force when he graduated from New Mexico State University. He spent eight years flying T-38s and T-39s.
When he left the Air Force in 1979, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, for new adventures. He found them in Vegas. He joined a Western Swing Dance Club, he was very involved with his children in BMX racing and he found his dream career. He worked for REECO and EG&E, but those were stepping stones for him. His final career move was to the Department of Energy. This was the perfect fit for him. He received his commercial pilot's license and he eventually became the Director of Aviation for the National Nuclear Security Administration in Nevada and Washington D.C. He received special recognition in 2009 from the U.S. General Services Administration and was honored with the Federal Aviation Professional of the Year award.
Joe retired in January 2013. This gave him more time to spend traveling to Germany and other parts of Europe and spending time with his family. He attended his first Formula One race. He was living life to the fullest!
Joe over the years met many people, many are still friends. He was honest, humble, smart and charismatic. He touched many lives and we know he will be missed!
Preceded in death by his mother, aunts Peggy Taylor, Kay Strackbein, and Rena Ellison
Joe is survived by his father Cecil, of Carlsbad, N.M.; daughter Amber Behrens and husband Damon of Austin, Texas; sons Craig and wife Gina of Las Vegas, Nev., and Tony of Las Cruces, N.M. Grandchildren, Christopher, Kyler, Sabastian, Talen. Sister, Jean Young and husband Jimmy of Carlsbad, N.M.; nephew, JJ Mitchell (Jenn) of Carlsbad, N.M.; niece, Brandy Turner (Scott) of Monument, Colo., and cousins Peggy Alice Burger (Donald) of Las Vegas, Nev., and Doris Feld (Bob) and Rita Kimball of El Paso, Texas.
His heroes were his dad and his uncle Carl Taylor
We request, in lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity in Joe's name. We would like to thank everyone for the thoughts and condolences we have received. Pahrump Family Mortuary, Pahrump Nev., is in charge of the arrangements. There is no visitation. Interment will be at 12 noon on Friday, February 28, 2014, in the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nev. Joe will be buried with full military honors. The family will be receiving visitors following services in Las Vegas, Nev., at the home of his cousin, Peggy Alice Burger.
Dad, you will be in our hearts forever! We love you!
Blue skies and soft landings!