Joseph James Hage, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at Covenant Hospice in Pensacola, Florida, on September 13, 2015. He was 91 years old. “Joe Hage” was the third born child to Sam and Freida Hage of Amsterdam, NY. He graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in 1942, and six months later shipped out to the European theater, where he served the U.S. Army honorably from 1943-46. Upon returning home, Joe accepted employment at the Scotia Naval Supply Depot in Scotia, NY. He met his red-headed bride-to-be at a depot party in 1948; the couple wed two years later and subsequently had five children: Susan, Nancy, Joyce, Sally – and at long last – son, Michael. Joe and Shirley raised their children in Schenectady until 1974, when the Navy closed the Scotia Depot and moved the Hages to Pensacola, Florida. Joe and Shirley enjoyed the tropical Pensacola climate, and Joe continued serving at Ellyson and then Saufley Field until his civil service retirement in 1980. Joe was an avid sports fan all his life. Baseball was Joe’s passion, and he loved playing third base. He also umpired softball and baseball and officiated football and basketball, in Schenectady from 1951-74, and then in Pensacola until 2013 – at the age of 89!! Joe also excelled at bowling, bowling several perfect games and winning numerous 1st place trophies. Joe Hage will best be remembered for his selfless devotion to God, family, and country. A devout Catholic, Joe served as an altar boy, Eucharistic Minister, and Guardian Ad Litem. He was a loving son, devoted husband, and adoring father. His boundless energy, optimism, kindness, generosity, integrity, faith, humility, and zest for life were unparalleled! He always put others before himself and served as our moral compass. His spirit lives in our hearts forever. Joe is pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Shirley; sister, Mary; brothers Nave (Genevieve) and Louis, and parents Sam and Freida. He is survived by his five children and their spouses, children, and grandchildren, sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. Private services were held at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola. Donations in Joe’s name to Covenant Hospice will be gratefully accepted.