Sgt. Joseph R. Fay, 34, of Salem, NH passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 6, 2018 in Oklahoma while visiting friends. He was born in 1983, a son of Susan Rombola and Peter Fay.

Joseph graduated from Salem High School, Class of 2001. Following graduation he went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force was his passion and he received numerous medals and honors during his career that include but are not limited to being a multi year winner of the Airborne Radar Technician of the year. He was also the enlisted operator of the year in 2010, earned the Aerial Achievement medal for achieving over 20 combat missions, the 2005 Air Force Humanitarian medal, the Joint Service commendation medal and the 2011 Korean Defense service medal among many others. During his time in the Air Force, Joseph was stationed in Oklahoma for 5 years, Okinawa, Japan for 4 years and Germany for 2 years where he worked on NATO Air Missions. Following his service, he worked as a civilian Radar instructor in Saudi Arabia. Joseph was a huge music fan and loved going to various concerts. He also loved to travel, visiting over 30 countries while in the service and later as a civilian.

He is survived by his mother; Susan Rombola and her husband Tony, his father; Peter Fay and his wife Barbara, his siblings; Trisha, Adam, Ciara and Jared, his maternal grandparents; Beverly and Charles Anderson, his paternal grandparents; Phillip and Patricia Fay, his former wife; Melinda Fay, his significant other; Krystal and her daughter Kinsley and also by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visiting hours will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 21, 2018 in the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem. A funeral service will follow on Sunday in the funeral home at 3:00 PM. Air Force military honors will follow the funeral service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project , PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.