United States Air Force Major Jose "Joe" A. Donate dies at age 96.  He passed away peacefully in the evening of January 25, 2024, in Vero Beach, FL with his wife Kay, son Rich and family friends at his bedside.

Joe is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen, and his youngest son, Rich.

Joe was an only child, born of very humble beginnings in 1927, in Puerto Rico.  Shortly after his birth, his father died and at a tender age, Joe was the "man of the house".  Joe understood at a young age, that education was the key to rise above his humble circumstances.  He vowed he would improve his life, and he made good on that vow.

Joe enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the 65th Infantry Division, in Puerto Rico, at the young age of 17.  His first language was Spanish, but he understood if he was to get anywhere in life, it would be necessary for him to learn English.  Determined, Joe taught himself to speak English, by reading newspapers and listening to American radio.  His dedication to learning was rewarded as he was rapidly promoted and served as a liaison between the Spanish-speaking enlisted soldiers and the English-speaking officers.  Joe served his time in the US Army, and was honorably discharged, he then attended the University of Puerto Rico on the "GI Bill".  Upon graduation Joe accepted a commission in the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant, where he was assigned as a logistics officer.  Joe traveled the world on assignments to many United States and joint command bases.  Arguably, his favorite assignment was his appointment to Manston RAFB, in England.  Joe met the love of his life, Kathleen Taplin, an English Civil Servant working at Manston, and after a whirlwind romance, the two decided to get married. Joe had a remarkable career with the USAF and retired from service in 1971.  He moved his family to Florida's Space Coast, specifically, Satellite Beach, to help Kay raise their two young boys, Victor and Rich. Retirement at such a young age left Joe restless, so he took a position at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as a Logistician, until his final retirement.  Upon retiring from KSC, Joe focused his efforts on his beloved garden.  He spent countless hours tending and maintaining his seaside yard, and was often awarded "Satellite Beach's best yard".  Joe was not a man of fanfare, so he quietly accepted the award, and went about his business nurturing his poolside flora.  Joe was a proud veteran and he and Kay would often go to the Patrick Air Force Base Officers Club, better known as the "O Club" or the "Patrick Yacht Club" for Friday night "roll call", where he and Kay could mingle with other retirees and active-duty officers.  Joe and Kay loved to play bridge and entertain.  He also loved baseball and his hometown, and "all things Puerto Rico".  He was so very proud of his two sons who followed in his tradition.  Victor, and Rich both attended college and received commissions with the US Army.  Joe was so very proud of his wife and two sons for their service to the United States of America.

A memorial service was held Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11:00am, at the Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th St. Vero Beach, FL 32967.