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Joseph Acquavella Obituary
JOSEPH F. ACQUAVELLA (Age 62)
Of Boca Raton, FL died at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 28, after a long and courageous 13 year battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Royall; beloved father of Joseph and Nancy Acquavella and Christopher and Elizabeth (Paul) Royall; loving grandfather of Layla Acquavella and Royall Wilson. His first grandchild, Carson Wilson, predeceased him. Also survived by his mother-in-law, Ann Helms, and father-in-law, Ronald Helms; his mother-in-law, Monika Helms, predeceased him. Loving brother to Ellen, Linda, Mary, Evelyn and Denise. Loving brother-in-law of William (Billy) Helms, Kathy Cox, Sharon Helms, and Jennifer Schwarz. Beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. His first wife, Maryann Acquavella, also survives him.
The family would like to thank the many good people at STOP Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, an organization of people also fighting NHL. Joe and I could not have gone through this without them. The family is grateful for the love and support of his many friends, and in particular to the dedication of Richard Getze (Kibby). Ric, you stood by us non-stop, seemingly day in and day out, through this very rough 13 years. Your consistent dedication to Joe's well being will forever be remembered. Special thanks to his devoted and caring physician, Dr. Scott Berenson.
Joe served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. He had a very distinguished 30 year career in the U.S. Department of State, and was a Member of Senior Foreign Service achieving the rank of Minister Counselor. Mr. Acquavella's Foreign Service assignments included tours in Niamey, Niger; Beijing, China, and three tours of duty at the U.S. Embassy in Bonn, Germany, which included being the Director of the Regional Information Management Office for Europe. Joe also served in key Senior positions in the Department of State including the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of Planning and Development in the newly organized Information Management Office, and before retirement, as the first Director of the Diplomatic Telecommunications Program Office (DTSPO). The last two assignments were in the State Department in Washington, D.C. Joe was a real fighter with this terrible disease called cancer, and what comes to mind is the saying, "I did it my way," which was with style, grace, and dignity to the very end. We love you, Joe. This world has lost a great man. May you rest in peace until we meet again.
At Joe's request, there will be no viewing or memorial service. Funeral services will be at Arlington National Cemetery and announced at a later date, and all are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made in Joe's memory to Hospice by the Sea, 1531 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486. Arrangements entrusted to BABIONE FUNERAL HOME, (561) 483-9500
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Acquavella
Sponsored by Susan, Chris and Liz.
Patricia Rollins
November 9, 2022
I'm the daughter of Lloyd Rollins. I have been going through old photos and ran across this. It was taken at my parents house in Tokyo around 1964. My deepest condolences on your loss.
William McManus
October 31, 2017
I didn't know Joe well and when he came to visit our posts he treated everyone fairly and with respect.
Our condolences to the family.
Joe will be missed.
October 27, 2014
God Joe. How I miss you. You were the light of my life. And you always will be. xoxoxo
Thomas Ellison
July 6, 2012
My deepest sympathy, a good friend. Bonn has been a long time ago but it still bright in my memory
John Williams
October 26, 2007
I was The Sammy Davis look alike and you were Crazy Joe! Your spirit
will always remain with me, and your physical presence is sorely missed. God bless and rest well.
Kevin Bradshaw
October 26, 2007
Joe was a great friend and mentor. He will be sorely missed by all "Can-doer's"
Floyd and Patti Hagopian
January 26, 2007
Joe was a great friend and boss. I am glad that we had the chance to visit his family in Florida. He will be greatly misses.
Steve Auldridge
November 26, 2006
...I remember wandering into that long-gone bar/cafeteria next to the State Plaza Hotel one day after finally "signing out" in the Foreign Service Lounge on my way to the Sinai (USSFM). Low and behold, there is Joe & Rick Getze relaxing after a long day...The one thing I remember about Joe was that he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, a rare trait even back in the 80's. Rest in Peace, Joe.
Rick Sanford
November 18, 2006
My sincerest condolences.
Patricia Sanford
November 18, 2006
Nancy, I am sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you. Take care.
Joe Chaddic
November 13, 2006
Joe will forever live in my heart and memory.
Rosalie Evangelisto
November 12, 2006
Susan, Christopher and Elizabeth -
May Joe rest in peace and stay with you forever in your hearts.
Always thinking of you - Rosalie
Robyn Livelsberger
November 12, 2006
Susan, Chris and Elizabeth -
So many memories ... too many to list. My deepest sympathies to all of you from my family to yours. May the expressions of sympathy you receive give you strength. Death leaves a heartache no-one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Love you guys so much..
Warren & Mary Lou Garner
November 10, 2006
Mr & Mrs Warren Garner want to express condolences to our good
friend Joseph Aquavella we have been over to his home and helped
him with his wheelchair. Joe was
a Vietnam Veteran. We will miss
him very much. God Bless You
Rob Robinson
November 8, 2006
Joe, all of the old OC/IRM colleagues will miss you. Susan, all the best to you and family.
Charlie Adams
November 4, 2006
My sincerest condolences to the Acquavella family. I met Joe long ago during a Dar Es Salaam TDY in 1968 and I fondly recall the many fun days we spent golfing and socializing at the Gymkhana in Dar, not to mention some very amusing courier exchanges at the airport. God bless you Joe, you're at peace now and in a far better place.
Hal Hutson
November 4, 2006
Joe enjoyed life and never missed an opportunity to have fun. He was a Great Boss and a Good Friend.
Patricia Baker
November 3, 2006
Joe loved life and we loved him.
Susan, may you and your family find the peace that Joe would want you to have.
God Bless you and keep you.
Jacqueline (Jackie) Clark
November 3, 2006
I have fond memories of working for Joe at DTS-PO. He was a great boss. I enjoyed my friendship with Susan and will keep her in my prayers.
Chak Murray
November 3, 2006
Joe, I will miss you and your greeting everytime I saw you at Arties. You were a great friend and will be missed by everyone who knew you.
Tootsie Sterenberg
November 3, 2006
It was with great sadness that I was informed of Joe's pasting. While I had lost contact with Joe over the last couple of years I never forgot all the wonderful times we shared together as a colleague, but mostly as a true friend. Go well Joe. May God keep you in the palm of his hand and bless and watch over Susan and the family.
George Helfrick
November 2, 2006
It was an honor and pleasure to work with Joe, he will be greatly missed. My wife and I offer our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Eileen Orme
November 2, 2006
Joey was my most handsome cousin !I remember a family outing to Govenor's Island in NYC. My dad,UncleFrank,Joey's dad , Uncle Joe and all the girls went to have a few drinks and the men played pool. They left us girls in the bar, BIG mistake, because while they were playing pool, we were using their tab and charging our drinks our drinks. They were a bit schocked at the total! They never did that again !
It was a long and not a pleasent journey in the end for our Joey, now he's in a better place. See you on the otherside cuz, I'll be sur eto bring the drinks.love to my family...Eileen Acquavella Orme, Fort Collins, CO
John White
November 2, 2006
I served with Joe at Bonn and in various assignments in Washington. Joe was a fighter and I am greatly saddened that he finally lost his batle with cancer. Joe was an innovative and creative leader with a great deal of foresight. Many of the Department's advances in communications and information technology today are the result of plans and programs Joe put into place during his career. His passing is a great loss to the OC/IM/IRM/DTS-PO family.
Bradford Ham
November 2, 2006
Joe Acquavella, a name synonymous with the Bonn Automatic Exchange (BAX). I met Joe during my tour in The Department of State 1983-1986 in the Office of Communications (OC). Once again we lose one of our own at an age far too early to be believed. I offer my deepest condolences to you, Joe's family.
Roy Buchholz
November 1, 2006
Comrade, friend, boss, mentor, advisor. At one time or another Joe fulfilled all those roles in my life.
I am eternally honored, enriched and blessed for knowing him.
Never one to side step the hard jobs or to avoid a venture into the unknown, he is once again scouting what lies ahead.
“Except this time Joe, don’t be upset if I lag far behind. A “Dry One” to you old friend.”
Katherine (Kate) Ford (Kintzel)
November 1, 2006
Joe, it's been years..too long to even think about it but no matter how many years have passed or how far away we were, you will forever be a part of the memories I have as a child. You, Maryann, Joe and Nancy have always been good to us Fords and I know that my life will always include the Acquavellas. Although I'm sad to hear of your passing, it's good to know that my father has his friend with him and hopefully you two will be looking down on us and having a good belly laugh.
Joe Acquavella
November 1, 2006
By Dad.
Sharlie
November 1, 2006
Susan, I didn't know Joe very well but I know the heartache you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. God Bless you.
November 1, 2006
Chuck and Eva Chesteen
Bill Bies
November 1, 2006
Joe A was the best boss I ever had. He was also a good friend and mentor. His contributions to the success and progress of the organization were many and significant. He made work fun.
Sandra Lee Williams
November 1, 2006
Joe, thank you for seeing my full potential in IRM before I did. Thanks for pushing me to take the OC position as an FP01 when I had doubts and reservations. With love and wonderful memories as a colleague and friend, may God bless you in your new home. Sandy Williams
Nancy Acquavella
November 1, 2006
Dad,
I miss you and love you and am so proud of you. You are one of a kind, I'm glad you always did it your way... I'll be toasting you often.
Love,
Nancy
Elizabeth Royall
November 1, 2006
Dear Joe aka Dad,
I am sitting here reading all these nice letters from all your friends and it just keeps reminding me again & again how very special you ARE to so many people. For all those years that you were sick I don't think I ever heard you complain one time about anything, unless I took your cigarettes or didn't make your drink right:o)You were so tough!!! I guess as I sit here and read about all the many things you did & how many lives you changed it raelly makes me think. Anyone that knew the real you, knew that you were the most layed back & fun Friend, Father, Grandfather & Husband. Chris, Mom (chicker) & myself went to your favorate resturant & sat at your favorate table & the three of us all sat on the table in memory of you and took a picture doing what you would do with your finger everytime someone would take a picture of you (anyone who knows you knows what I'm talking about) . I know you were looking down on us with a smile on your face. Royall misses his Papa so much. He goes in your room every night and gets your bed ready for you and makes me put your wheelchair next to the bed for you and lifts the arm up so it is all ready for you. Although he knows Papa's in Heaven i think he just still likes to do it for you. I know he is only two but I KNOW he will never forget you. Anyway I know you are busy hanging out with Moni and taking care of Carson. I just wanted to tell you that I love you sooooooooooo much and will miss you everyday of my life until i see you again. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
-love always & forever-
Lizzy
PS- thank you for being such a great Dad to me
Tony Stefano
November 1, 2006
Unfortunately for me, I never met Joe. But I knew Susan and worked with her here in Northern Virginia. My sympathy and prayers go out to Susan and her (and Joe's) entire family. God has welcomed Joe in His Heavenly Kingdom. May we all one day see (meet) Joe there. God Bless!
Bob Catlin Sr
November 1, 2006
I had the pleasure of working for short periods of time with Joe on several occasions. He was a true professional and will be missed by everyone who knew him. His body has left this world, but his spirit and memory will linger as long as his friends are still alive. I raise a martini to his memory.
Evelyn Acquavella O'Donnell
November 1, 2006
What I remember most about my brother Joe is the excitement that his visits would generate in our house. Shopping for favorite foods, anticipation of the exotic gifts he would bring (I still have my pearl necklace from Japan). And he had a dog!!!
My parents and sisters are very proud of his accomplishments and he is forever in our hearts.
Bill Estell
November 1, 2006
I meet Joe once, but I heard his name many times. It's wonderful to hear Joe has so many friends that thought highly of him. God bless and smooth sailing.
Rear Admiral Steve Baker
October 31, 2006
“Ambassador Joe” was a nickname that described a true scholar and gentleman. Joe was a rare breed and what I call a “Real American”. There are some people that you meet through your journey in life that when you think of them, instantly a smile comes across your face because the memories that form are only fond moments of times that were good. Joe was one of those people. The experiences I shared with Joe in Washington, London, Paris and Edinborough to name a few, were priceless.
This was a man that loved life. He aggressively pursued pleasure and an environment where happiness and laughter were contagious ingredients of his lifestyle and it enveloped everyone he came in contact with. The angels now truly have someone to smile and laugh with. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. God Bless You Joe.
Ralph Girdner
October 31, 2006
Joe and I first met in 1969. Since then our paths have crossed many times. He was a good friend and will be missed very much.
David Diamond
October 31, 2006
I only met Joe a few times in my career at State. The last time he did me a great favor, at some inconvenience to himself, without asking my reasons. I appreciated it very much and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
Robert L Burkhart
October 31, 2006
I worked with, and for, Joe on a number of occasions -- but always, it seemed at the cusp of one tour or another. Joe was serving his last week as the Chief of the Bonn Automated Exchange (BAX) when I arrived for my first tour (we overlapped by one or two days). We shared a longer tour when I returned as the Chief of the BAX in 1987 and Joe, a short time later, assumed the duties of RIMC Director. Our paths crossed again when I was assigned to DTSPO in 1997 but again only for a few days as Joe was leaving (or had just left) when I arrived.
I'm sure Joe will be greated in Heaven by Saint Peter with the following words, "No problem!"
Stephanie Baker
October 31, 2006
I remember many smiles and warm laughs from Joe when he and my father (Steve Baker) would get together and talk of "the good ole days." There was always a piece of wisdom, unveiled through humor, that those days brought about. I feel grateful to have witnessed their lives and friendship through the stories that we're passed on; usually late at night, with cigars, and a tinkle-tinkle drink - it was their passion! I believe anyone who shares that passion so freely is truly blessed with love. Joe was no doubt blessed with this love as were all those who came into contact with him. We are better to have known him no matter how brief or long. With deepest compassion & symphony.
There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
Mark & Maria Buske
October 31, 2006
Joe gave me the pleasure of working for him at BonnBAX in 1980. He was a great mentor and great friend. He inspired a can-do work ethic in all of us who worked for him. He put up a hard fight against his terrible illness. God rest his soul.
Bill Jennings
October 31, 2006
It is hard to contemplate our "family" without Joe around. From the time we first met in Bonn in 1969, it was evident how good a person Joe was. Words cannot make their way into my brain that adequately describe the sense of loss that Joe's passing brings to me.
Bruce Adams
October 31, 2006
Since leaving State many years ago, I saw Joe only every few years. Through his health issues, he maintained a good attitude, enjoyed talking shop and old times, and was always fun to be around. Those of us who worked for Joe will remember him as an innovative leader, a friend, and as someone who understood the importance of enjoying life while getting the job done. He will be missed.
Stan Dorsey
October 31, 2006
It was my honor and pleasure to work with Joe and benefit from his leadership and service to his country first hand. I offer my sincerest sympathy to his family.
Roy McCabe
October 31, 2006
Joe will be missed by all. Although I am far away I remember Joe and some of the conversations we had in and about ATS/ATSE
Kevin Bradshaw
October 31, 2006
My sincerest condolences. Joe was a great mentor and source of information for those of us just beginning with the Department.
Joe Devlin
October 31, 2006
I was one of the fortunate ones to have called Joe A a friend as well as a colleague. He will be be greatly missed.
Jim Norton
October 31, 2006
A classy Communicator, Joe was the ultimate "cool."
Carol Anne Baker
October 31, 2006
My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. My Dad and Joe were great friends. I remember a few nights in Norfolk when Joe told great stories about their adventures together- it's always fun when a kid gets to hear stories about her dad from someone else! I know from those stories- the way they'd both laugh and Joe's eyes would light up when he got to the 'the good part'- that Joe lived a full life and spent his time here making friends and creating memories that will live forever. We should all be so fortunate. Best wishes to you all.
Jim, Joe, Susan, and Gene
Gene Merson
October 31, 2006
To my best friend, the things I loved most about were that you were long on committment, longer on intelligence, infinite on integrity, and short on words. The photo is Joe at his best, a cigarette in one hand, a drink in the other, a beautiful woman at his side, and a couple of drinking buddies. Life just didn't get any better than that to Joe.
Dennis Nelson
October 31, 2006
I met Joe in at BAX in Bonn in the mid to late '70s. He was smart and driven, and knew how to get a job done. . . but he knew how to have fun! I know that I will always remember him. Rest in peace, Joe.
Mike Boone
October 31, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with Susan and all of the family. I will always cherish the good times spent with Joe and Susan at Arties. May God bless Joe. He will always be remembered.
Wade Taylor
October 31, 2006
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Although I haven't had the chance to see or speak with Joe for a number of years, I'll always remember him as a mentor and friend.
anthony yacona
October 31, 2006
It was with deep sadness that I heard the news of Joe's death. I pray that the family's pain will be mixed with the joy of having had a man of Joe's courage in their lives. Anthony Yacona MD
John E. Williams
October 31, 2006
Please accept my heart-filled condolences during this sad period of time. May God bless Joe. He was very instrumental in helping me to keep my head above water. He kept me forging ahead, when I really wanted to quit. He will be sorely missed.
Judy Chidester
October 31, 2006
The "old guard" is passing fast. These names are legendary in our service.
Mike and Toshiko McCaffrey
October 31, 2006
Joe was a great guy. I remember our time together during a mutual assignment at Bonn in the latter 70's. I renewed our association during the initial days of the CIHS Program. He is missed.
With deepest sympathies,
Melvin Bladen
October 31, 2006
Although I didn't know Joe personally, the name does not escape anyone. May the Lord Bless and keep you in this time of sorrow, we will include Joe's soul in our prayers.
BCC Supervisor (Ret.)
Jon Woodley
October 31, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joe was a good man and will be greatly missed.
Jon Woodley, (former F.S. IMTS, separated)
Paul Bialecki
October 31, 2006
My deepest sympathy over your loss. Joe's professionalism and friendliness will not be forgotten.
homecare solutions nursing registry inc.
October 31, 2006
we sympatize with you in the passing away of your husband
Bruce and Trudi Aston
October 31, 2006
Joe was an inspiration to many people at Stop Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and we will always hold him close in our hearts and memories. Please accept our condolences and if there is anything we can do for you Susan, please don't hesitate to ask. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim Lawson
October 31, 2006
With my deepest condolences on this very sad occasion of Joe's passing from this life. Thinking of you. Sincerely, Tim Lawson.
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