Joseph John Senton
Born on November 14, 1935, in Jersey City, New JerseyPassed on October 7, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Joseph John Senton. His final moments were spent peacefully, surrounded by his family at his side.
Joseph Senton was born November 14, 1935 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He passed away on October 7, 2025 at the age of 89, just short of this 90th birthday. He was the son of late Clyde R. Senton, Sr. and Anna (Jarecki) Senton, the youngest of five children. His siblings were Mary Ann, George, Virginia, and Clyde Jr., deceased.
Joseph was married to Barbara Waskawich at Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church in Belleville, New Jersey on August 7th, 1960. At the time of his passing, they has been married for more than 65 wonderful years. At age 18, Joe joined the New Jersey Army National Guard. Within a year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and began a career that lasted 26 years.
Joe enjoyed traveling and always tried to make the best of every assignment. Duty in Hawaii allowed him to become a strong swimmer and learn to water ski. In Japan, he climbed Mount Fujiyama.
After his marriage to Barbara, Joe received an assignment to France. They visited many of the countries of Europe and skied the Swiss Alps. Robert, the first of their three sons, was born in Verdun, France during that assignment. Thomas and William were born later in the United States.
Joe saw wartime service in country during the early years of Vietnam completing his tour of duty in 1968. Then Joe, Barbara, and their three young sons Bob , Tom, and Bill moved to Anchorage, Alaska, at Elmendorf Air force Base, where he worked for the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRN). During his tenure with AFRN he met many celebrities including President Richard M. Nixon, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Hirohito of Japan, Bob Hope, Tex Ritter and his son, John Ritter, and Jeannie C. Riley. While in Alaska, the family became avid salmon fisherman. Moreover, Joe and Tom each harvested a moose during the annual hunting season. As members of the Elmendorf Judo Club, Tom and Bill became Alaska State Judo champions in 1973. They also competed in the Nationals in Spokane, Washington. The family soon became adept at snow skiing, going regularly to Hillberg and Mount Alyeska ski lodges, sipping hot chocolate together by the fire place, in between runs.
After five years, Joes next assignment brought the family to Florida and Patrick Air Force Base in Satellite Beach. Joe spent his days as a Team Chief at Cape Kennedy in electronic quality assurance for the space program. The family moved to Melbourne where they have resided ever since. He retired in 1979 as a Master Sergeant (M/sgt.) Throughout the years, his overseas assignments
included Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Iceland, France, England, Kwajalein, Vietnam, Mahe (Seychelles), and Antigua (BWI).
Upon retirement from the military, Joe attended and graduated from Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College) along with his youngest son, Bill. Barbara had previously attended Brevard Community College. Sending the boys to college was always a goal for Joe and Barbara. Bob received degrees from Brevard Community College , University of South Florida, and The Capital University, Tom received his degree from Brevard Community College, and Bill received degrees from Brevard Community College and University of Central Florida. Subsequent to his graduation, Joe and Barbara owned and operated a laundramat on 5th Avenue in Indialantic. Thereafter Joe was employed by the United States Postal Service, until his retirement, 15 years later.
Joe enjoyed reading mystery novels and watching movies made from the books. His favorite characters included Matt Helm, Philip Marlowe, Sherlock Holmes, Charlie Chan, and Mr. Moto.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 65 years, leaving behind a legacy of love through his three sons Bob, Tom, and Bill, and his devoted daughter in law Joan, and two precious grandchildren Michael and Simone who adored him and called him Ja-Ja, Polish for grandfather.
Above all, he loved his family and treasured cheering for the grandchildren during their school activities. Michael wrestled in high school and is an accomplished artist with an exhibit in the Salvador Dali Art Museum in Saint Petersburg, Florida. He currently attends college and works part-time at a local hospital. Simone continues to excel in the fields of dance and music, specializing in the piano.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Brownlie – Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne from 9:30am until 11:30am. A Graveside service with Military Honors to follow at 1:00pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). PVA.ORG
