Joseph T. Fagan, born in 1934, passed away on January 30, 2024, at the age of 90. Joe, affectionately known as Bud to family and friends, touched the lives of many with his unwavering strength, kindness, humor, and commitment. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife Eileen, their four children (Daniel, Denise, Eileen, and Laurie), seven grandchildren (Brittney, Danielle, Erin, Kelly, Marie, Breanne, and Emmett), four great grandchildren (Sadye, McKenzie, Aiden, and Elena), his sister Bonnie, and many loving nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Bud and his sister Bonnie were born in Elizabeth, NJ, and later relocated to North Tonawanda, NY, where they attended a one room schoolhouse. As a young man, Bud met the love of his life Eileen at an Irish picnic, they married in 1957, and relocated to California with four children under the age of 7 in 1965. A testament to enduring love, Bud and Eileen celebrated over 66 years of marriage. Their partnership was a source of strength, support, resilience, and grace.

Bud’s life was marked by a profound sense of duty and service. He served in the United States Navy for an impressive 27 plus years, rising through the ranks to become an officer (CWO4). His dedication and leadership were always evident as he navigated the challenges of military life, earning the respect of his peers and superiors.

Following his distinguished military career, Bud pursued higher education, attending college and then graduate school, completing his master’s degree in logistics engineering at USC. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence laid the foundation for his second career in aviation engineering at General Dynamics.

Upon retirement, Bud and Eileen embarked on a remarkable journey. When they weren’t spending days (and weeks) with the grandchildren and – later on, great grandchildren – they were traversing the landscapes of the United States in their RV as part of the SMART (Special Military Active Recreational Travelers) group. This adventurous chapter of their lives gave them time to not only relish time with grandchildren, but also explore the beauty of the country while create lasting memories with family and friends.

In the face of Alzheimer’s, Bud exhibited extraordinary bravery, confronting the challenges with a spirit that inspired those around him. Even when the disease was at its worst, Bud’s lighthearted sense of fun and love for his family shined through.

Bud leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and indomitable spirit. He was determined, resilient, and adored by his family. He will be fondly remembered by family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched deeply.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 4th, 2024, at 10:30a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Poway and then at Miramar National Cemetery at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St Jude’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate) or a charity of your choice in Bud’s honor.

Fair winds and following seas, Bud. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you. May your memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.

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