Joe, a resident of Annapolis for 37 years, was born in Apollo, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Frank and Verna Labanish Martin and was raised in Leechburg, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Tech before serving as a 2 ^nd Lt. in the Army at the Pentagon. Upon completing his military service, he worked as a software engineer until his retirement from Northrop Grumman in 2006.

In his younger days, Joe was a member of the Sports Car Club of America and raced an Austin Healey Sprite, a Chevy Vega and an Audi. He bought his first house in Arlington, Virginia for the three car garage that could accommodate his hobby. In 1986, after moving to Annapolis, he helped start Boy Scout Troupe 995 in Arnold as a committee member and later became a Scout Master. He also became an avid archer, participating in several tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic region. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at the annual family reunion in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Another favorite activity was attending local wine dinners with his wife and the 'church ladies.'

Joe is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diana Lynn Spoerl; his sons, Joseph Elwood and Jonathan Paul (Christina); grandchildren Enzo, Marco, Stella, Violet and Xenia; sister, Roseann Cochran (James) and several nieces and nephews. Burial at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery will be limited to family with a celebration of life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church's Benevolence Fund or Hospice of the Chesapeake.