Joseph Tronolone

Joseph Tronolone, aged 93, passed away on November 19, 2024, in Davie, Florida. Born on November 26, 1930, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, Joseph led a life marked by dedication to his family, country, and community. 

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Carmen Irene Tronolone (nee Domenech), their daughters Susan Tronolone Davies (Stephen) and Diane Huntley (Ted), and five granddaughters: Meredith Wickersham (Brad), Andrea DePutron (Gregory), Emily Steen (Robert), Carolyn Brady (Daniel), and Laura Huntley and his devoted nephew, Carlos Acevedo. His legacy continues through his eight great-grandchildren: Colette, William, Jonathan, Iris, Oliver, Nina, Ellis, and Arietta, with two more on the way. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Joseph Tronolone, his parents Joseph and Margherita (nee Caputi) Tronolone, and siblings Marie Tronolone, Ellen Krieg, Jeanne Lanfranca, and William Tronolone. 

If you asked anyone about Joe Tronolone, they would tell you that he was a humble genius and a man of initiative, impeccable character and vision. He also was a true friend and neighbor to all. His academic journey began at St. Rosalia School, followed by Brooklyn Technical High School. He furthered his education at the Polytechnical Institute of Brooklyn (NYU), where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering. He served an instructor of electronics in the US Army at Fort Monmouth , New Jersey and the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. 

Joseph's 37 year civilian career as an electrical engineer with the United States Department of Defense was distinguished by his design of inertial navigation systems for nuclear submarines including the historic USS Nautilus which, in 1958, was the first submarine to reach the North Pole. He was onboard the Nautilus keeping the sub on course when his eldest daughter Susan was being born. Joseph continued his work with the US Navy specializing in the navigation of the Poseidon, Polaris and Trident submarine- launched ballistic missiles. He earned several patents for his inventions and was especially proud of his work with NATO. Joseph retired in 1989 as a division head from the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, PA. His previous base had been the Brooklyn Navy Yard till its closure in 1974. 

A member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Southwest Ranches, Florida, Joseph embodied his faith. Known as "the Professor" and "Joseph the Good," his unselfish service to persons from all warps of life and his vast knowledge of diverse subjects earned him these endearing nicknames. When he was not assisting others prepare their taxes, learn about the stock market, manage their finances or master home/ automobile repair and maintenance, he was encouraging people to be responsible, accountable and believe in the power they possessed if they only put out a concerted effort. He led by example and many sought his counsel to help them find purpose, direction and balance in their lives. He truly believed that "you can do anything, but you cannot do everything". Joe's wisdom and wit will live on as he has a loyal following of friends and relatives who quote him on a regular basis. He was truly a friend and mentor to all. 

Joe was a renaissance man. He enjoyed cultural events, intellectual pursuits, music, science, mathematics, playing games to engage his mind, travel and athletic activities. He probably could have been a master contestant on Jeopardy because he never missed a question when he played the game at home every night. Joe was an avid fisherman, battling striped bass in Montauk, Long Island and peacock bass in the lake behind his retirement home in South Florida. Playing tennis with Carmen was also a hobby. He enjoyed baseball and was proud that he was a childhood slugger who could hit the ball as far away as "3 sewers" when playing stickball on his street in Bay Ridge. He was a dedicated fan of Penn State football, Villanova Basketball and professional tennis as well. 

Above all, Joseph Tronolone was a man of unparalleled integrity, honesty, compassion and love. He always did the right thing and was a humble servant of God, a loyal husband, a devoted father, grandfather and great-grand father. He respected all people and always went out of his way to keep the many generations of his family connected and supportive of one another. He and Carmen brought their granddaughters to South Florida every summer when they were young to experience the thrills of fishing, lizard hunting, boating, jet skiing, gathering crops of avocados, mangos and bananas, cooking family recipes, having sleepovers with their great-aunts and cousins and putting on shows for many generations. He was known for his attention and care-giving to aged persons as well. Joe was robustly healthy, living an adventure-filled life but exercising moderation in all things. He was a benevolent, well-rounded and fun-loving individual. He will be dearly missed. 

Joseph has been our cornerstone. We are thankful that our future has a solid foundation set in place by he and Carmen, his loving wife and partner in all endeavors. Their marriage has been exemplary. Team work makes the dream work. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at TM Ralph Funeral Home, 371 NW 136th Avenue, Sunrise, Florida. A funeral service will follow from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Mark the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 5601 S. Flamingo Road, Southwest Ranches, FL. Joseph will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th St., Doral, FL, on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11 AM.