Joseph Waas

Joseph A. Waas, age 102, formerly of Fairfield, Connecticut died on July 5th at The Colonnades in Charlottesville. He was the beloved husband of the late Gertrude Whitney Waas for 63 years.
Born in Rockaway Beach, New York on June 13, 1921 he was the son of the late Joseph and Lillian Dundas Waas. Following graduation from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering, he was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater. In 1946 he moved to Fairfield where he lived for more than 60 years, working for the General Electric major appliances division and then at Sikorsky Aircraft for 29 years, retiring in 1981. Joe was an accomplished trumpet player, having perfected his skills by playing in various community bands throughout his life.

In his retirement, he achieved the dream of having his own swing band by establishing the Reminiscence Dance Band with many of his musician friends. The Band played many community concerts at the Fairfield Gazebo in addition to reunions, receptions and private parties. Joe also had a five piece group that played at many senior-living communities, as well as music-therapy engagements at nursing homes all around southwestern Connecticut. As a Navy veteran, he was proud to play Taps at countless military funerals, always appearing, trumpet in hand, wearing his original Navy uniform. He moved to Charlottesville in 2011.

Survivors include his daughter, Susan Carpenter, and her husband, John, of Charlottesville, VA.

The family suggests that donations in honor of Joseph Waas be made to the charity of your choice. Services and interment will be private