Obituary

Joseph f. Curatolo, 78, of charleston, passed away sunday, may 4, 2014, at williamson memorial hospital, williamson.
Joseph grew up in the upper kanawha valley, where he attended montgomery high school. He graduated from west virginia tech and subsequently attended the university of tennessee and massachusetts institute of technology (mit). Shortly after college he was recruited by nasa and worked as a designer on the guidance systems for some of the early missiles.
After leaving nasa, he and his brother, james, were instrumental in developing the community of satellite beach, fla. He then joined the u.S. Army and became a pentonic ranger with the 101st airborne division, serving as jumpmaster for part of his enlistment. After leaving the service he returned to the business in montgomery, which he ran for several years. Following that he devoted much of his life to his passion for photography, becoming a well-known and respected nature photographer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, salvatore and nunziata arena curatolo; brothers, frank, guy, lou, john and james curatolo; and sister, carmelina curatolo.
He is survived by his loving wife, nancy rawson curatolo of charleston, and sister, catina curatolo of teays valley.
Memorial mass service will be held at 2 p.M. Thursday, may 8, at barlow bonsall funeral home with monsignor p. Edward sadie officiating.