Joseph Michael Mendonca, Jr., known affectionately as Joe, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, in Winchester, VA. Born on October 23, 1940, in Fall River, MA, Joe was a man of exceptional intellect, passion, and adventure. He was the firstborn of four children and the cherished patriarch of a loving family, guiding them with his wisdom and strength.

Joe’s early life in Fall River was the foundation upon which he built a lifetime of achievements.

Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1962 and was first assigned as a heavy weapons infantryman for 2/501st PIR in the 101st Airborne Division. He reenlisted and served two tours in Vietnam. one with the 1/505th PIR of the 82nd Airborne Division and later as a Cannon Fire Direction Specialist attached to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV). He was honored with multiple service medals and commendations, to include a Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge. His military service was a testament to his courage and dedication to his nation.

Following his honorable discharge, Joe’s thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Franklin Pierce College while working as an electrician. His career took a significant turn when he joined Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts as a research electronics technician with the Rome Air Development Center’s Electromagnetic Directorate, Joe made his mark as an inventor. He patented the Lichtenberg Tree process, also known as “frozen lightening;” a groundbreaking method of controlling discharge of stored electric charge in plastic objects and Lichtenberg figures in plastic objects. The interest was to explain the phenomena responsible for altering and damaging critical mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of insulating materials in key parts of spacecraft. Additionally, this invention produces “frozen lightning” art captured in plastic materials of assorted sizes and configurations.

Joe’s legacy is carried on by his daughter, Jody Mendonca Leyman McDonald, her husband Jay Meigs-McDonald, and his beloved grandson, Rodriquez Jay (RJ) McDonald. Mourning his loss are his sister Millie (Mendonca Borden), her husband Frank Stroscio of Winchester, VA, and his brother Manny of Mexico. Joe was predeceased by his brother, Robert, but the memories they shared will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved them. Joe leaves behind nieces Cheryl Ann Borden and Miranda Mendonca, Nephews Ronald and John Borden and wife Sally: Great-nieces Caroline and Sarah, and great-nephews Matthew and Chase.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe’s zest for life was evident in his varied interests. A lover of the outdoors, he relished scuba diving, sailing, birding, and basking in the hot Florida sun. His creativity shone through his music, his storytelling, and his ability to capture beauty in the written word. An intellectual at heart, Joe was also an avid chess player who enjoyed the strategic complexities of the game. His feet were as nimble as his mind, and he was known to be a fantastic dancer.
Friends and family will remember Joe as a man who lived life to the fullest. embracing every moment with enthusiasm and grace. His passion for exploration and discovery was matched only by his intelligence and his adventurous spirit.

Those who knew Joe would agree that he lived life fully, embracing each day with vitality. As Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” Joe’s details were rich with love. adventure, and a profound commitment to his beliefs. Joseph Michael Mendonca, Jr.’s life story is one of inspiration and impact, a narrative that will continue to influence and resonate with all who had the pleasure of knowing him. As we say goodbye to Joe, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Services for Joe will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either the Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinsons.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org