Joseph (Joe) Bernard Volpe, Jr, 93, of Lafayette Hill, PA, formerly of Dresher, died peacefully February 27, 2025 at The Hill at Whitemarsh. Born April 25, 1931, son of the late Joseph and Rose (Altomare) Volpe. He is survived by his daughter Kristina (Volpe) Focht (Frank Pearson), son Joseph B. Volpe III (Cindy), Grandson Tyler Focht (Shannon), Granddaughters Devon Volpe (Casey O'Neil), Amanda Focht and Loren Volpe. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Gloria (nee Stellacio), daughter Karen, and sisters Jane DePaul, Alba Bear and Louise Romano.

Joe grew up in Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia where he attended Germantown High School (Class of 1949). After graduation Joe joined the Merchant Marines sailing oil tankers with the Atlantic Refining Company Fleet. He was drafted in the Army 1952-54 and was stationed at Indiantown Gap PA, Fort Riley Kansas, and Sparta, Wisconsin, where he trained troops on Infantry Tactics/Weapons. Upon return he continued with the Merchant Marines until he saved tuition to attend Drexel University. He graduated from Drexel 1960 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and from Penn State University 1970 with an M.S. in Electrical Engineering. At Drexel he played Varsity Baseball and served in various leadership positions for engineering and student government. He continued as an active leader for Drexel Alumni.

After graduation he began as a Planning Engineer at the General Electric Co., Missile and Space Division for Applications Satellites, where he developed Communication and Earth Resources Satellites, notably working on launching the first weather satellite into space.

In 2003 he was inducted into the Drexel University Alumni Circle of Distinction in recognition of his professional accomplishments as President and Co-founder of Fraser-Volpe Corporation in 1972, an international company that developed and manufactured optical and electro-optical stabilized viewing STEDI-EYE products. They pioneered the first generation of active image stabilized Monoculars used by law enforcement agencies, US Military and global foreign military. FVC also produced night vision devices, weapon fire control systems, laser aiming devices, wide area surveillance systems and wireless video links.

Joe was active in the local government and community. He served as Upper Dublin Commissioner for Ward5, Member of the Upper Dublin Drug Commission and Environmental Control Board. He served as President of the Queen of Peace Church Home and School Association and was a Baseball Coach and Fundraiser for the Upper Dublin Junior Athletic Association.

Joe was a devoted and loving husband to Gloria, whom he met in Junior High and never left her side since. Together they enjoyed trips across the globe from Thailand, Europe, Asia as well as many Caribbean cruises and island vacations. He loved his summers in Ocean City NJ at the beach house, bodysurfing with his kids and grandkids, cruising on 'the boat' with his family around him, and spending winters in Naples FL, where he led an active social life among cousins, friends and visits from the grandchildren.

Joe lived for sports, a talented baseball player and coach. He coached his kids and grandkids on and off the field, attended almost every baseball, softball, soccer and ice hockey game. Joe managed to find time for his passion of Golf, as a long time member of Manufacturers Golf and Country Club. It was here that he was in his glory. He made many lifetime friends, improved his handicap, worked on his swing, told one too many jokes, had a few drinks and created smiles, laughter and good times on the course and off.

He was an inspiration and was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to have been a part of his life. He will be remembered by his larger than life smile, his positive outlook and his jokes. Everyone who knew him will certainly miss the sound of his laughter and infectious personality.

Joe lived an exuberant and fulfilling life as a devoted and fun Pop-Pop, Husband and Dad that will continue to fill our hearts with love.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Visitation on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 am., followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 am., at Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 820 North Hills Avenue, Ardsley, PA 19038. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Joe's cousin's pet rescue, Lucky Pups Rescue in Abington at www.luckypupsrescue.org or to a rescue of your choice.