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Joseph A. Kolb, 88, peacefully entered the life eternal, June 3,2019 after a brief illness. He is survived by his high school sweetheart Gladys- a loving and devoted wife of 70 years. He was a proud and supportive father to his 4 children Suzanne, Joseph R, Deborah Rode (Charlie) and Dorothy. Wonderfully blessed with 7 grandsons- Charles, William, Matthew, Ethan, Nicholas, Ryan and Jack.
Born and raised in New York City, Joe excelled at radio electronics at the esteemed Bronx High School for Science. After attending technical college, he married Gladys and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia on their wedding night. After several years they returned and settled in Westbury and later Massapequa, NY. Joe worked for NBC Broadcasting studios as an electronics engineer handling television productions for presidential election conventions, major sporting championships and national events. Joe was at the scientific forefront of national stereo broadcasting science as well as the international efforts in the Telestar Satellite program. Joe culminated his 37 year career at NBC as Director of Studio Operations in NYC.
During the Korean War, Joe served as a Sargent in the US Army Signal Corps for two years. Returning he developed his personal hobbies and community service while raising his family. Always yearning to learn, he completed his B.A at Long Island University. He has been a Mason for 63 years and is honored to be a Shriner serving for over 30 years with the Kazim Unit.
Joe's biggest passion was amateur radio communications for over 55 years. While in NY he served as the President of the Long Island Radio Club, is still an active member of ARRL, is a volunteer examiner for new enthusiasts, and assists communities during national and international emergencies. His call signs were W2NLM, W2NL and W4VL. It gave him pleasure to use his lifelong skills to assist his retirement community groups.
Retirement allowed Joe to return to Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, settling in Hillsville. He also pursued the dream of touring the country with an Airstream RV leading him to serve as President of the Virginia Unit of the International Airstream Club.
Joe served as a board trustee at Gladesboro Lutheran Church, his spiritual home for nearly 30 years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 12:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Pastor JoAnn Bunn officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by Hillsville V.F.W. Post 1115. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Hillsville Masonic Lodge 193 AF & AM. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel. A guestbook is available on-line by visiting www.vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the Kolb family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville.
I am so sorry to have found out the passing of Joe. He was a mentor to me in Ham Radio and he also hired me at NBC Studios and that gave me my big start in Broadcasting. We shared many good times with the radio club on long Island (LIMARC) he also encouraged me to run for office in the club and I did and served for several years. Joe, you are missed, my goof friend.
Harry B Morton III
Coworker
September 9, 2019
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
July 23, 2019
Suzanne, and for all your family, so sorry about your dad, please know that I am thinking about you Suzanne and pass around hugs to all for me. Never met your dad, but you did have some cool stories about him. Love ya kiddo, Mike Bilecki
Michael Bilecki
Friend
June 6, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Bruce and sharon Huffman neighbors
sharon and bruce Huffman
Neighbor
June 6, 2019
Dear Suzanne and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to a wonderful and loving husband, father, and friend. Although I never met Suzannes father, I know this to be true because of her stories.
Sincerely,
Meg Green
June 6, 2019
We were Airstream friends with Joe for several years and always admired him. He will be greatly missed by his Airstream family. Harold & Maxine Hamlett
Harold Hamlett
Friend
June 5, 2019
Joe and his wife has been great neighbors for several years. I got the opportunity to know them when i helped carried in groceries or we talked while doing yard work. My son did some work on their house and admired joe very much. He will be missed. My prayers go out to the family.
Joyce and daniel Bowman
Friend
June 5, 2019
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Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville1035 N Main St. PO Box 145, Hillsville, VA 24343
Jun
8
12:00 p.m.
Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville1035 N Main St. PO Box 145, Hillsville, VA 24343
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Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel - Hillsville1035 N Main St. PO Box 145, Hillsville, VA 24343
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