Joseph William Sessions

Captain Joseph William Sessions USNR (ret) peacefully passed away on Aug 22, 2025, at the age of 92. He was a loving husband, father, and Papa Joe who cherished family. A devoted Catholic, Joe lived out his values daily through service, presence, and faithfulness.

He was born on December 29, 1932, in Corpus Christi, TX; the third son of Robert and Berta Sessions. Joe was an Eagle Scout, Senior Class president and Valedictorian of Refugio High School’s Class of 1951. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Texas and commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy shortly after on October 5, 1955. As a naval aviator he flew the Grumman S-2 Tracker and served tours of duty on the USS Lexington, Roosevelt, Forrestal, Yorktown, and Ticonderoga. He also served as Commanding Officer of NAS Glenview, Squadron Commander at NAS Dallas, and Executive Officer at NAS Willow Grove. He faithfully and honorably served our country for 32 years.

While stationed in Pensacola, Florida, Joe met the love of his life Rita, with whom he recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They had seven children together and were stationed on many Naval bases across the United States. Joe enjoyed traveling the country with his family in Big Mac, the family van. Joe and Rita particularly loved spending summers in Gulf Shores, Alabama creating lifelong memories with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Joe was very active in the schools, the Catholic church, and the community, with a particular soft spot for the homeless.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Berta Sessions, and brothers Robert and Frank Sessions. He is survived by his wife Rita, son Joseph W. Sessions II (Ursula), daughters Mary Novobilski (Andy), Janet Sessions (Kevin), Amy Hill (Edward), Rita Campbell (Donovan), Helen Reeve (Brett), Emily Summers (Chris); grandchildren Claire, Emily Rose, Andrew and Olivia (Novobilski); Annie, Max, Carly, and Josie (Johnston); Rebecca, Joseph W. Sessions III, David and Mark (Sessions); Ryan, Sarah, Laura, and Edward (Hill); Evan, Erin, Sophie, Brenna, Molly, and Gavin (Campbell); Emilyann, Jason, Kyle, Charlie and Lucy (Reeve);LeeAnn, Gracie and Christopher (Summers); 24 great grandchildren who Papa Joe loved to "Wind them Up, And send them OFF!"; and his brothers Ben, and Al (Vickie)

He was also preceded in death by faithful dog, Trixie, and parakeet Happy Bird.

As a special reminder, Joe would like to tell you to “Watch for low flying ducks!” when passing by his casket.