JOSEPH D. SARDONIA

Colonel JOSEPH D. SARDONIA  U.S. AIR FORCE (Ret.)  
Colonel Joseph D. Sardonia USAF (Ret.) passed away peacefully at home July 6, 2012 at the age of 93. He was the son of the late Joseph and MaryEllen VanKeuren Sardonia. He was born on November 30, 1918 in Mongaup Valley, NY. Joseph Sardonia graduated from Manhattan College, NYC, N.Y. with a Bachelor of Science degree. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941, assigned to the 44th Infantry Division. He graduated from Yale as an Aviation Cadet and became a Communications Officer 9 September 1943. Colonel Sardonia served over 30 years, assigned to HQUSAF, Pentagon, Intelligence Electronic Reconnaissance, retiring in 1973. His career continued at Locus Inc until 1985.He relocated to Buckhead, Georgia. While in Georgia he organized the establishment of the Sugar Creek Fire Department where he served as the first Fire Chief.His life was one of dedication to his country, his community and his family. Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Nancy Needleman and her husband John Ghilardi, Adrie Custer and her husband Dr. Randy Custer, and Emily Toone; two sisters, Melvina Keegan and Francis Kewley; and six grandchildren, Gina Ghilardi, Alexandra and Zachary Custer, Glennon,Greyden and Trevyn Toone. Colonel Sardonia was predeceased by his wife Shirlie, his brother Milton Sardonia, and his sister Rosa Albrecht.A funeral mass will be held on Thursday November 29 at 10:45 a.m. at the Ft. Myer Chapel. Interment Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.