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Joseph Bango Obituary
Born in New Haven, the son of Joseph J. Bango (d. 2013) and Emily Bango (d. 2022), Joe held a BS and MS in electrical engineering, MS in mechanical engineering technology, was a fellow of the advanced studies program at MIT, and earned a Ph. D in technology management at the University of Bridgeport. In his long career as an engineer and research scientist, he started his own medical manufacturing and research firm, Connecticut Analytical Corp., thirty-three years ago.
His career in science and engineering began when he was a high school student in Yale's "Frontiers in Applied Science" program, where selected students attended Saturday morning lectures and lab tours. It was on one of these tours that he met John Fenn, Ph.D, who went on to be awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Joe worked on projects with Dr. Fenn until his passing in 2010. Joe credited this influence and mentoring frequently, saying "it cannot be underestimated."
During his long career, Joe's company was awarded numerous contracts from NASA, DHS, DARPA, and the US Army. In the course of his work with NASA, for example, he worked on a team that included Dr. Fenn and Buzz Aldrin among others on a system to identify airborne microorganisms in spacecraft and lunar habitats.
Joe also held multiple patents in innovative technologies gleaned from his many years in research and his inquisitive mind. In addition, Joe was proud to have served in the US Naval Reserves for eight years. A certified master mechanic, Joe had a passion for cars, and could often be spotted out and about in one of his classic automobiles.
Friends and coworkers have described Joe as "the energizer bunny" and a powerhouse for the boundless energy and enthusiasm he brought to every enterprise. He was valued for his honesty, perseverance, generosity, and sincerity. A loyal friend, devoted son and brother, doting father, and loving husband, Joe will be forever in our hearts and memories.
A commemorative service for family and friends is being planned for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Brain Tumor Society.
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6 Entries
Pete Schultz
February 18, 2025
Joe, Joe, Joe....why did this have to happen to such a creative mind, force of nature, and nice guy! I haven´t known Joe long, only about 6 years. He was aware of some of my impact experiments and recognized an opportunity to develop a novel device to launch super high-speed icy particles that could be used to test capture systems for a future NASA mission. He quickly absorbed ideas, adapted them, and then jumped in. But he also listened. We had crazy conversations over dinner after a day of experiments at NASA. We shared strategies about losing weight and his connections with highly respected scientists. Some would run from his exuberance, I just ran to keep up. I´ll miss him and never forget him. My sincere sympathy to his wife, kids, and Bango´ers.
Robert Picardo
February 6, 2025
What a brilliant mind and kind soul. I first met Joe about 20 years ago when I was back in New Haven for a reunion. I was always fascinated to listen to him speak about his newest project or passion. He had a deep curiosity for everything in life, and often asked me questions about my career as an actor. Joe loved Science Fiction and is an extraordinary example of how Star Trek inspires people to invent the future they dream of.
Michael Labowsky
February 3, 2025
Joe was a remarkable guy. With his personality and wealth of knowledge, he easily made friends with Nobel laureates, astronauts, astrophysicists, university professors, politicians, CEOs and engineers of all varieties. I often just nodded my head pretending I understood when he talked in detail about some new/innovative technology. He had a passion for learning, starting when he was a high school student working in John Fenn´s lab at Yale. John would have been proud of all that Joe accomplished. I am sadden by his passing and will miss him.
Mike Labowsky
S. Rock Levinson
January 31, 2025
Joe was an amazingly creative guy! We started the first of our many collaborations on a "biobattery", which arose from Joe's idea to create an implantable artificial organ that produced electricity, just as electric fish do. Joe thought that such a device could power pacemakers, artificial cochleas, and other implantable devices, thus providing a living source of inexhaustible electrical energy. We created a startup company, made a working prototype, and got a patent for the device. Some other of Joe's ideas were an implantable glucose sensor for diabetics, a quick and more effective way of making antiviral vaccines, and an implantable "pharmacy" that could make medicines according to patent needs. Joe's enthusiasm was certainly contagious, and it made working with him inspiring, to say the least. I'll greatly miss him and the intellectual stimulation he gave me over my career.
May his memory be a blessing.
With greatest sympathy,
Rock Levinson
Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Emeritus
University of Colorado School of Medicine
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Juan Fernandezde la Mora
January 30, 2025
I very much lament Joe's passing at such an early age. We did collaborate at Yale with numerous research projects during many years. He had charm and many talents, and will be greatly missed. My condolences to his wife and family
Sincerely
Juan Fernandez de la Mora
Michael Barg
January 22, 2025
I sincerely offer my condolences to Jenni, Joe III, Ariana, Ahmee, and Joe's sister, Elisa. Losing Dr. Joe Bango, Jr. was devastating for his family, friends, colleagues, and the world's engineering and scientific communities. I have worked with Joe on many projects for almost 25 years. His industriousness, creativity, and passion for his work were unmatched and inspired me to pursue doctoral studies in my retirement later. We first worked together in the Navy Reserve, discovered our mutual fascination with creating new technology, and quickly collaborated professionally on writing grant proposals and new products. Over the years, we have frequently spoken about concept development and other topics in good times and better times. Joe maintained his professional focus despite the challenging obstacles and powered through them, demonstrating extraordinary strength of character and determination. It was a privilege to know and work with Joe. I will sincerely miss and always remember him. Bravo Zulu for a job extraordinarily well done, shipmate! "Fair winds and following seas. . ." We have the watch. Sincerely, Captain Mike Barg, USN (Ret).
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