Obituary

Joseph F. Soukup passed away in his Florida home on December 15, 2013 at the age of 72.  Joseph leaves his son, Greg Soukup and daughter-in-law, Michelle, and three grandchildren Joseph (Joey), Brooke, and Evan of Chesterfield, Virginia; a brother, Michael Soukup and sister-in-law, Linda, and their children Evan and Jessica, of Blue Hill, Maine; a nephew, Mark Soukup and his wife Kimberly, of Lincoln, Massachusetts; and a niece, Rebecca Soukup Eiler and her husband David, of Norwich, Vermont; as well as cousins and many devoted friends.

Joe was born and raised outside of Richmond, Virginia, the son of Joseph and Virginia Hawley Soukup.  He was an active member of the Boy Scouts, and enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting and crabbing at the family cabin on the Chesapeake Bay. 

After graduating from Highland Springs High School in Highland Springs, Virginia, Joe earned a Certification in Electronics Technology at The Danville Technical Institute, VA.  Joe earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of Richmond, where he received the Willie M. Reams Award for outstanding achievement and promise in advanced study in biology.  Joe’s ambition and quest for knowledge took him further to complete his Ph.D. in Biomedical Science at Duke University.

Upon completing his degree, Joe was hired by Science Applications International, Inc., (SAIC) where he served for 25 years until retiring as a Senior Vice President.  Joe’s expertise and relentless dedication to his work in Biomedical Science left a lasting footprint within the company, one that has endured during the company’s restructuring.

Joe was a man who took his personal and professional commitments seriously. Joe generously contributed to causes he believed in such as the NRA, theVeteran’s Administration and his local Police Department, where he served as a volunteer for several years. 

To all, Joe was known for living his life in a big way. In addition to being an experienced sailor, he was an avid biker; the heart pounding, pavement-thumping sound of motorcycle pipes was music to Joe’s ears.  Joe enjoyed the camaraderie of other motorcyclists and, with an unfailing sense of adventure, attended motorcycle events and rallies in his spare time.   

Of grand stature and resounding voice, people noticed Joe and looked forward to meeting him. Joe was known for his unique perspectives and sharp wit. His deliberate, protective and caring style captured the hearts of many.  Joe was loved and will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held on February 1, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Joe’s favorite oceanside park in a gazebo under the 17th Avenue Causeway in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  Following the ceremony a dinner will be held at the Grill 66 and Bar located at 2301 South East 17th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.