Joseph James Traybar

Joseph James Traybar of Princeton NJ, Atlantic City, and Palm Beach Florida sadly passed away on May 9, 2022. He was born in Bethlehem Pa. Sept.16, 1929 to George Carolus Traybar and Mary (Donches) Traybar.

Joseph and his brother, George Charles (who preceded him) were members of St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church in Bethlehem. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1947.

As a young boy, Joe was always interested in airplanes, assembling models and all mechanics related to aircraft. Joe would bicycle to ABE Airport where he began to work at the age of 12, fueling planes. He began flying lessons at the age of 13 in a Piper Cub for 2 yrs. At age 15, Joe received his Pilots License after flying solo from Allentown, Pa to Manhattan and back several times.

Joe graduated from St. Louis University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1951. While Attending SLU, he enrolled in the USAF ROTC Military Program. In his senior year, he was awarded the Distinguished Military Graduate Award, which offered him the option of an appointment to a Military Officer Commission. He also enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Active Reserve where he served as a Sergeant on the Flight Line. After graduation, he accepted an offer from Lockheed Aircraft Plant in Ca. as an Aeronautical Engineer.

He accepted an Honorable discharge from the USAF Reserve in 1950 in order to accept his newly awarded USAF Commissioned Officer rank of 2nd Lieutenant (1951 Active duty, Korean War Period). Joe was admitted to the USAir Force Pilot Training Program. He graduated 1st in his class as a Jet Fighter Pilot in 1953, Webb Air Force Base, Texas. Joe trained over 1 years in Florida as a high altitude pilot and his operational specialty was a night and severe weather pilot. He flew security next to Air Force One for President Eisenhower. Joe was the first fighter pilot to land a fighter jet at John F. Kennedy Airport. His Squadron won the Prestigious Hughes Achievement Trophy in 1954. Joe was interviewed and offered to fly Black Hawk but declined. He accepted an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force as a Captain in 1958.

Joe was dually enrolled in a Masters of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from both Princeton University and Penn State University. After completing his thesis, he accepted a Faculty Position at Princeton University where he taught for 20 years Aeronautical Engineering & Research Test-Pilot. Joe also received a Masters Degree in Management form Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida in 1988. Joe also attended Rider University, in NJ where he worked towards a Bachelors Degree in Economics.

After retirement from Princeton, Joe worked for the US Govt/FAA/DOT: Flight -Test Aeronautical Engineer & FAA Aircraft Safety Research Program Manager. Joe was selected for an extended European Assignment to serve on a joint NASA/FAA aircraft safety study committee touring the major aircraft productions facilities in Europe. He delivered several technical papers and briefs on FAA aircraft safety research work and updated aircraft stability, control. While at the FAA, Joe worked on the Space Shuttle as pilot safety review board. Joe also attended the CAREME School of the Culinary Arts of NJ, working towards a degree in culinary Arts for a SACIER-CHEF discipline.

Joe was a Governor in the Quiet Birdmen Organization Aviator Pilot. He was a member of the Old Guard Society of Palm Beach Golfers. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Associates in Palm Beach. Joe was an avid Yacht Aficionado and a welcomed, honorary member of the Avid Palm Beach organization, which owned multiple yachts and jet aircraft. Joe loved to ski and was president of his Ski Club. Joe also dabbled in Meteorology in his spare time. Joe enjoyed travel, good food, good scotch, building model airplanes and rewiring anything electrical. He always had great stories and fun facts to share. He was an Usher at The St. Edwards Church in Palm Beach.

Joseph never married. He was a loving Uncle and friend to many. He is survived by his nieces, Linda (Howard) Goldberg of N. Bethesda MD, Judith (TED) Killo, and Patricia Tompkins of Bethlehem Pa. and many great nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass was held at St. Edwards Church, Palm Beach, Florida. Joseph will be buried at Holy Savior Cemetery, Bethlehem, Pa. with his family on September 16th, 2022.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour
2575 Linden St,
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Graveside Service
Friday, September 16, 2022
12:30 PM
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531