Joseph Patrick Muldoon

January 08, 1959 - May 21, 2018

Obituary For Joseph Patrick Muldoon

Joseph Patrick Muldoon (Joe) was born on January 8, 1959 and died in Raleigh, North Carolina on May 21, 2018. A memorial service will be held for Joe on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at nine o'clock in the morning at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 214 Main Street, Nashua, New Hampshire.

Joe is survived by his father, Joseph Patrick Muldoon Sr.; his brothers, Matthew and Scott; and his children, Shane, Sean, Megan, and Shaelyn. Joe’s daughter, Kyla, died in 2012 and his brother, Michael, in 2014. Kyla is at rest in Section 2 West and Michael in Section 9 West at Woodlawn Cemetery, 101 Kinsley Street, Nashua, New Hampshire. Joe is also survived by his partner, Kendra Ritlinger, of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Joe worked on worldwide enterprise software engineering, virtualization, and emulation at Stromasys, Inc. The bonds of friendship and support with John Prot, the CEO of Stromasys, as well as with other coworkers, is something Joe deeply appreciated – Joe would say “It is an honor and a privilege to work here”. Joe and his team were very successful in their work. In earlier years, Joe led Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Large System teams when DEC was a leading global IT solution provider. As a teenager, Joe learned electronics, calculus, and how to write and think in machine language at Pomfret School and later at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) at the dawn of the information technology age. As systems and software evolved, Joe understood underlying architectures and could craft solutions inaccessible to those without his experience and amazing ingenuity. Unresponsive systems could be revived, perhaps induced to function along new never-before-contemplated pathways. To an observer without Joe’s capabilities, this looked like magic.

Joe supported everything from essential hospital imaging networks to indispensable government systems. In providing critical support, he worked without rest day and night until problematic systems were running smoothly again. That was great for clients, but hard on personal life. Joe had the Muldoon trait of regularly being the outlier person with complete understanding of a problem leading to a practical solution. He also inherited the Morrison clan intelligence and keen insight from his mother Marilyn who passed in 2005. Perhaps greater patience and consistent tact could have made these gifts more endearing. At times Joe could be very direct, challenging, controlling, nonconforming, and perceived as abrasive by some - but when he wanted to, Joe could turn on the highest levels of courtesy, respect, discipline, focus, and professionalism. Joe had some incredible social skills where he could through his manner, words, humor, and vibe almost instantly transform a group of strangers into what now appeared his lifelong friends. At times Joe could seem a braggart, but behind his use of superlatives - strongest - smartest - best - were kernels of reality validated by some of the most capable people in the world.

Joe could be the big tough guy, but behind this he had a big heart. He liked helping the little guy and giving everyone a chance to participate in things. He loved to share, and he had a strong value of family even though his own family disintegrated in many aspects. Joe and Carol Muldoon divorced in 2003 which was very difficult for Joe’s children, and many firestorms erupted. Despite this, Joe valued family for his entire lifetime. He talked about his family’s accomplishments with immense pride, and he would say that the love he felt for and received from his children back when they were young was the greatest thing ever. Joe could also be quite the independent thinker with some unconventional ways of handling family affairs. Joe once decided that it was time for a family reunion, and everyone had a wonderful time. But Joe had decided in advance that it would only last for one day – he had redefined the old saying that fish and guests go bad in 3 days.

Joe was exactly the person you wanted at your side when facing a major challenge. He prided himself on self-reliant skills like the ability to weld diverse types of metal, to cut most any gear or machine part, and to exhibit expertise in scuba, spearfishing, hunting, cooking, and martial arts. Joe’s superb physical senses, coordination, reflexes, dexterity, and confidence made him amazingly capable of incredible feats. The way that Joe could drive an automobile or motorcycle was nearly unbelievable. Joe could actually be quite conservative, cautious, and careful about new things – but often he would eventually explore the new realm to extreme depths.

Joe jumped into the ocean off a sailboat near Martha’s Vineyard, wearing only a mask, with a homemade spear in his hand fashioned from surgical tubing and a simple fiberglass pole which he sharpened by holding it out a car window at the correct angle against the passing concrete pavement. Joe disappeared under the water for quite a long time and then finally popped up with lots of big fish which later that night fed a huge group of friends living with him on the island for the summer.

Joe’s role model was his Uncle, Wayne Morrison, the toughest guy anyone could imagine, yet full of fun loving humor. Wayne was a Vietnam hero of almost superhuman proportion, who passed in 2014. Joe’s bravery, individual training, and service to others often clashed with the evolving sensitivities and mediocrity of modern society. Joe is dearly missed by his family, coworkers, and those who valued a solid friend – like Mike Piscopo an unwavering friend of more than 30 years through thick and thin -- such true loyalty few will ever know.

Please share your memories of Joe with his extended family, friends, and superb coworkers.

Services

9 Jun

Memorial Service

09:00 AM

Church of the Good Shepherd 214 Main Street Nashua, NH 03060 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

March 27, 2024

gerry benoit (pomfret '76)

wow. so many years after the event I found Joe the Toe's loss. Joe, Ian LaFarge and I were tight buddies, as the DAs at Pomfret. Joe and his family were kind to me out of school; Joe taught me how to weld, to drive a stick in his old Saab. what a loss for his family and friends. a wonderful man.
December 25, 2021

Javier Monsalve

I just found out now of the sad news, passing away so young! Joe was a fantastic human being, special and out of the box thinker, helped everybody, a true golden heart the likes of which I have met very few in my life. We were buddies in 1985 at WPI and lived for 1 year in the same house. I never saw him again, since I live in Spain. I talked to him some years ago and found out about the tragedy with his daugter. A very funny moment happened when Joe stored a car engine in a cupboard in the kitchen! all the other roomates and the owner were outraged but I thought it was ok and Joe and I had a huge laugh, only Joe would do that. I hope he is in a better place and he gets the eternal life he deserves. I would love to share memories with his family if they want to get in touch.
September 01, 2020

Steve Grass

I had the honor of serving as Joe's manager for quite a few years at DEC (although I doubt anyone ever truly "managed" Joe in his life). It was an experience which was occasionally frustrating but never boring. I knew Joe would always devote himself fully to every assignment given to him. He was a major contributor to team morale, keeping all co- workers loose via his sense of humor. RIP, Joe. You will be missed.
September 01, 2020

Kendra Ritlinger

Ken, Thank you for your moving memories of Joe. It was people like you that Joe proudly called friends. I've added your stories to my memory bank and will forever remember them. Think fondly of Joe, and smile, as he did when he told his stories. Kendra
September 01, 2020

Kimberly DiFruscia

Joe was a great friend to my husband Tony. Their phone conversations regarding work were often peppered with laughs and Tony would always hang up with a smile. Joe is already missed and I am thankful for the friendship they shared. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
September 01, 2020

Dave Clements

The World is diminished now that Joe is gone. Thank you, Joe, for your lessons in Humanity.
September 01, 2020

susan smeltzer

joe was the best friend i every had he came in my life when i truley need a friend he was so good to me i injoy the times i spend with him going to longhorn anges barn and other places that we would go to on saturday. he made me laugh and he maid me smile he made me feel like i was some one special. he realy care for me and my mother. He taugh me how to work the computer . i loved when we would work on the computure and spend time with each I am glad that i got to spend a lot of time with him and to get to know him to i have lost one of mine best friends. I don't know how i am going to get a long without him I am truly lost on saturday. I really did love and care for him. I am truly gong to hime him My prayers are with his family . Joe was the best susan smeltzer
September 01, 2020

Kathy Dolan

So sad to read this. I hired Joe into my group on a recommendation from one of the managers in our organization who had to downsize his team. Joe was so appreciative of the opportunity and didnt disappoint. He was a hard worker, very polite and conscientious. Always stopped by my office during lunch time, standing at attention to let me know what was going on. I was never blindsided and he probably shared too much! I never regretted hiring him and was only too happy to give him a recommendation when he needed one. Joe was a nice guy who loved and was proud of his family; he will be missed.
September 01, 2020

John Prot

Joe (my friend Joe) used to joke that his name appears in the depths of Tru64 source code (the legacy Operating System he helped write at DEC and on which he was a world-class expert). I hope he knew that his name is also etched on so many people's hearts, because of his hard determination to always do what is right, what is kind, what is caring for those in need.
September 01, 2020

Eugene Park

I found out a few hours ago about Joe's passing. Although I let time and distance get between us, I always considered him my friend, full of life and excitement, and a beacon and a role model, and until today I try to emulate his passion. When he got into something, his passion let him follow it until conclusion, until he figured out how it worked and what made it tick. If we don't live life with passion, it passes us by, and we forgo the chances to experience all that is around us. I will always remember him as a good friend, a loyal friend, a passionate friend, and a better friend than I could ever be.
September 01, 2020

Kendra Ritlinger

Joe has been my rock for the past 3 years. To say I am devastated is an understatement. I was blessed to be with him as he left our world on his new journey. Sleep well my friend and companion. Know that you surely are loved. Kendra Ritlinger
September 01, 2020

mike (Big Crow) piscopo

Joe was my friend for 35 years and I'll miss him dearly. I'll be along soon, keep a tight line bro! Mike (Big Crow) Piscopo
September 01, 2020

Sandy Levitt

my memory of Joe is that you could ask him a yes or no question, and the answer you would get was never just yes or no, but all he detailed information that went behind that answer. He onboarded me to Stromasys and did a very detailed and great job.
September 01, 2020

Tony Piscopo

I met Joe through my brother Mike (Big Crow). We soon found out we shared similar interests; fishing, hunting, love for computers (worked at DEC together). Joe had a tremendous heart. One of the earliest memories of Joe is of him helping me fix a leaky roof at a cheap apartment I was renting during our early years. An image comes to mind of him walking backwards towards the edge of an old slate roof 3 stories high with a large bucket of roof patch in hand and a very thin, dry, frayed piece of rope pulled from an old ladder tied around his waist, with me holding the other end at the roofs peak. As if the rope was supposed to provide security in case things went badly. Joe, you cant go out there without something, we need rope. Tony, were good, but if youll feel better, here, well use this, as he pulls the rope off the old ladder. Here Tony, hold this end, then smiles. Classic Joe. Well miss you brother!
September 01, 2020

Dave Campbell

1 file added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

Dave Campbell

A typical day in high school with Joe: Grabbing friends off campus to skip school and drive to the beach. First stop - beer. Minutes later, being chased by a state trooper, but managing to evade capture by barreling through an old wagon trail through the woods in Joe's old beater car that the smart policeman refused to enter. Laughing so hard we had to stop to pee - but the sound of liquid continuing to trickle after we had all finished led us to discover that a boulder on the trail had punctured the gas tank. No problem for Joe - a risky drive home - a quick patch brazed onto the tank (coming close to blowing us all up), and then off to the beach. Joe's enthusiam for life, endless curiosity, group antics and true friendship always bring a smile to my face. Our lives and the Earth are a little less vibrant without him. Dave Campbell / Pomfret '77
September 01, 2020

Susan Smeltzer

My heart is shattered all the pieace now I know he is a peace now and not suffering anymore. The best times that i spent with joe was when we go out to eat at the angus barn and the longhorn. I Love the Saturday night we spent with each other, I Love cooking for Him and makeing his favoriate hot texas fudge cake for him on his birthday.Every time i get on the computurer i will say it is because of joe i am doing the computure. My is shattered it will take a long time before it heel. When I met his brother Shane I saw a lot of Joe and i injoy meeting him My heart break for Joe children and his brothers and his frends. rest in peace joe i will alway have you in my heart. Love Susan Smeltzer
September 01, 2020

Ken Reilly

I too was deeply sadden to learn of Joes passing. I have fond memories of him cruising the cubicles at Digitals ZKO facility chatting and debugging bugs with colleagues. I was able to attend his memorial service this morning and was moved by the celebrants words, meeting some of his family members and talking with several former DECies. Rest in peace Joe. I hope his family, friends and colleagues will be able to find solace and peace in their love for him and their memories of him.
September 01, 2020

Kendra Ritlinger

Sent a gift in memory of Joseph Patrick Muldoon
September 01, 2020

mike (Big Crow) piscopo

Joe and I were the best of friends for almost 36 years. We sailed through life together and I'll miss him dearly. I'll be along soon my friend, keep a tight line! mike (Big Crow) piscopo May 24, 2018