Joseph Passafiume died suddenly on Thursday, Oct. 25. He was 70.

He was a resident of Edgartown and formerly of Stow. He loved living on Martha’s Vineyard and happily retired there full time with his wife, Margaret, this past year.

Joseph, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, was born on March 8, 1948. He attended the University of New Haven, MIT and the University of Pisa, receiving several accomplished degrees in engineering.

He was a successful entrepreneur in the field of telecommunication networks. His passions were aviation, music, cooking and social gatherings with family and friends. He loved flying and was a pilot for over 40 years. He has had many interactions with members of the military aviation community, which molded his aviation training.

Flying had defined Joe and had led him to become an influential member of both the Quiet Birdmen Society and the Aero Club of New England. He served as president of the club and actively participated on multiple committees, including a continuous outreach to young people hoping to develop a career in aviation.

Joe will be remembered and missed by his wife, Margaret, his daughter, Jennifer Passafiume of Oak Bluffs; his son, Matthew; daughter-in-law, Jessica; and grandson, Gino Passafiume of Windermere, Fla. He will also be missed by his aunt, Louise Mascolo; many cousins in Connecticut; his mother-in-law, Anne Kleuber of Carlisle; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Duncan Gormley of Carlisle; and Mary and Frank Romano of Saugus along with their son, Phillip of Tewksbury; brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Donna Passafiume and their son, Frank Passafiume of West Haven, Conn.

He was predeceased by his parents, Annette and Carl Passafiume of New Haven, Conn.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Isidore’s, 429 Great Road in Stow. A celebration of his life will follow.

A memorial scholarship has been started at the Aero Club of New England in Joseph’s name. Please make checks payable to the Aero Club of New England and mail to 36 Shawme Road, North Falmouth, MA 02556.

Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Concord. For online guestbook, please visit deefuneralhome.com.