I want to thank everyone who wrote such kind words about Joe. I had been gone all day and have just now been able to read the messages and I am overwhelmed. He really was the best guy you could ever meet. My heart is just broken over loosing him. At 34, I never thought I would be a widow, it's still a difficult thing for me to fathom what my life is going to be like without my constant companion, best friend and biggest love. He was smart, witty, sarcastic, talented and the best husband and dad. He's leaving behind a beautiful boy who has the same aptitude and love of games that he had. He taught Dylan how to use the 'puter at age 2. Had him playing Carnivores by age 3 and Beating HALO and age 6. He taught him about cheat codes and gamefaqs. Yep, a gamer he made.
Joe was there for me through my mom's cancer, my dad's death in Dec 05' and through many other tough times. I loved him from the deepest part of my soul. Our first date was just coffee and conversation and I knew that night that he was the man for me.

Everyone liked Joe. Relatives, friends and co-workers. His fellow engineers at work are stunned by his death. At least three of his co-workers called me today and said that Joe was the only person and work that they could talk to. He never judged anyone, he was a good listener and he was a top notch Nuclear Engineer, who had a very promising career. He never talked down to people and always made them feel good about themselves. In the government contracting business, civilians tend to treat the military guys like crap. But since Joe knew what it was like to be on the other end of the stick, he could never bring himself to treat someone in that manner.

I know I'm babbling on. It's late, lack of sleep, food, too much going on in my head, I tend to ramble on.

Jane

Here is the obituary that will run in Sunday paper of the Daily Press in Newport News, VA

Joseph "Joe" D. Massey, 38, beloved husband and father and son, passed away after a short illness at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News on April 13, 2006. He was Born in Brunswick, GA on Halloween 1967 and lived in many places across the U.S as part of a Navy family until settling in Columbia, TN. He graduated from Columbia Central High School and attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. He joined the United States Navy in 1990 as a Nuclear Reactor Operator. He moved to Hampton, VA in 1993 where hespent 5 years stationed on the U.S.S. Enterprise CVN-65. He worked as an MCSE for several years before joining Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding as a Nuclear Test Engineer in 2001.

Joe was loved by all his relatives, extended family and friends. He was the kind of guy who could always make you laugh. He loved music and was an excellent guitar player. He loved reading, riding roller coasters, electronic gadgets, but most of all, he loved his family. His loss is felt very deeply.

Joe is survived by his wife of 10 years, Jane Justice Massey and his 7 year-old son, Dylan C. Massey of Hampton. He is also survived by his parents Earl D. and Mabel Clayton Massey of Chapel Hill, TN, his mother-in-law Joan K. Justice of Hampton, brother-in-law Joseph Justice Jr., his wife Michelle Malven and his nieces Jacqueline and Alexandra Justice, of Suffolk, VA.

Family will receive friends Monday June 17, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service following in the chapel at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. Internment will follow at a later time. Friends are encouraged to visit www.mem.com to share words of comfort with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton