Joseph (Joe) C. Roise passed from this world on April 19, 2017 holding hands with his family. He was the only child of Hilda and Joseph P. Roise. Born in Minneapolis, MN on July 16, 1926, the family moved to Silverdale, WA when Joe was 10 yrs. old. He joined the Army Air Force in 1945 and proudly served in WWII and again when recalled during the Korean War. He leaves behind his wife, Marcelle (Marty) Roise, two daughters, Megan and Erika and four grandchildren .
Joe flew for Pan American Airways from 1955 to 1988 starting out as a pilot/navigator on the B-377 Stratocruiser and progressing to Captain on both the B707 and B747 aircraft. He was also a B707 Flight Instructor and Check Captain. Joe played a key role as instructor pilot during the introduction of the B747, being one of the first pilots qualified on this airplane.
During furloughs he flew as a First Officer/navigator on the DC-68 for both Great Lakes Airlines, then Japan Airlines.
After mandatory pilot retirement at age 60, Joe qualified as a B747 Flight Engineer. He worked for American West Airlines as a Flt . Engr. Check Airman, Simulator on the B747 during their start-up program and also with Eastern Airlines as a consultant.
Joe met his wife of 40 years at Pan Am where she was an Operations Training Instructor. Together they enjoyed an interesting experience in Lome, Togo, West Africa where Joe flew as the summer vacation relief Captain on the 720B and Gulfstream II aircraft for President Eyadema while his wife trained the President’s stewardesses for three consecutive summers.
Joe and Marty spent many fun hours flying their Navion out of the Livermore airport, and when not in the air, you could find Joe having lunch with his hangar buddies. Joe was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen – SFO Hangar.
The family would like to thank the Reutlinger Home in Danville and Hospice of the East Bay for their caring and compassionate care of Joe during his final journey. At Joe’s request there will be no memorial service. Donations to Hospice of the East Bay are greatly appreciated.
Like Pan Am – Joe is gone but not forgotten.