K1RQG died quietly at home with his old dog Jed by his side. Joe was a leading EME practitioner, having built a 32 foot dish from scratch, operating on 432 and 1296 mhz, with mostly homebrew gear, and on CW and SSB, eschewing the "doodle modes". He ran the 14.345 mhz EME net for years. On 75 meters, Joe would occasionally play moonbounce over the air, with armchair copy signals for the rest of us. He was active in the HPSDR project, having started with a Flex 1000 when they first came out and progressed to 3-receiver diversity systems, collaborating with K5SO. For 34 years Joe ran the Hosstraders hamfest, New England's largest with W1GWU and I, and led the effort to raise and donate over 1.3 million dollars to Shriners' Hospitals from hamfest proceeds. He was the classic example of a kid who got his ham ticket and progressed through service in US Naval Security Group, to industry in the civilian world. His strapping signal on 20 meters, and in the DX window on 80 meters will be missed. He was a steadfast friend and a classic radio amateur.
I first met Joe back in the early 60's when
he came over to check out my station in Bangor. Later, I visited him and marvelled at his ingenuity fabricating amplifiers from surplus parts. It was always fun running into him over the years and being warmly received when we visited him. I, among many, will truly miss his friendship.
I first met Joe in the early 80's when we started to play around with AX.25 PBBS's.
Our path's crossed many times over the years, from the Hosstrader's Hamfest to visiting Bucksport when delivering oil by tankbarge.
I spoke with Joe often on 75m with his booming signal and big ears from all over... fixed, mobile and marine mobile... no matter where I was he always heard my PW signal and would respond!
Besides his intense experimentation in various modes and equipment, Joe was a real ham's ham... he was always helping and very giving of his time and resources for those that were interested... whether a complete newbie or old timer.
Joe will be greatly missed by all in the amateur radio community and even more by me a true friend of many years.
I first met Joe in the early 80's when we started to play around with AX.25 PBBS's. Our path's crossed many times over the years, from the Hosstrader's Hamfest to visiting Bucksport when delivering oil by tankbarge. I spoke with Joe often on 75m with his booming signal and big ears from all over... fixed, mobile and marine mobile... no matter where I was he always heard my PW signal and would respond! Besides his intense experimentation in various modes and equipment, Joe was a real ham's ham... he was always helping and very giving of his time and resources for those that were interested... whether a complete newbie or old timer. Joe will be greatly missed by all in the amateur radio community and even more by me a true friend of many years.
I am very saddened to hear about Joe. I was welcomed into the 80 meter group by Joe about a year ago as a new operator. I felt that he was a good radio friend, who answered every time I put my call. I know he wll be missed by all on frequency.
73,s Joe.
John Beregi KB3TKT
over the years Joe and his two Hosstraders cohorts donated over 1.3 million dollars to the Shriners hospitals in Montreal and Springfield MA as well as the Boston Burns Unit.
He was a very modest person and the idea of a public memorial was not what he wanted. If you want to honor Joe's memory next time you see a Shriner collecting money for the hospitals think of Joe and drop a few extra bucks in the kitty.
73,
Michael W1RC
I just found out today about Joe's
passing. He drove all the way from
Bucksport, ME to Manchester, NH to take
a look at my EME set-up and discovered
some issues with my 1296 transverter. He
took it home, repaired it, and sent it
back within a week. He was so
thoughtful, caring, giving, friendly,
funny, and lived to the highest
standards of amateur radio. We have
lost a great friend. My condolences to
his family and the hundreds of Joe's
Hoss Trader friends - both the fest and
the swap net. Bows to you Joe. You lived
it right! 73 es God Bless - John WD1V