Joseph Dennis McGraw, 91, of Coupeville and Burlington, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, at his home surrounded by loving family.

He is survived by his especially beloved and best friend for life, wife Diana (Bryson) McGraw; and his children, Michael (Jeanette) McGraw, Terese (Mike) Ramsey, Mary (Glen) Wadley, Joe McGraw, Denise (Alex) Mowery; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Born to James and Mary McGraw in Cleveland, Ohio, and growing up in Dewitt, N.Y., Joe was third oldest of eight children: Mary, Bill, Joe, Teresa, Raymond, James, John and Alice.

He graduated from high school in June, 1942 and at the age of 19 went to war after completing Naval Flight training, being commissioned an Ensign and winning his Wings of Gold. In July, 1943, Joe saw action flying FM-2 Wilder Wildcats in the Pacific where, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, he was awarded the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross and achieved Ace status with five aerial combat victories over enemy fighters and bombers.

He later served with Air Group 101 aboard USS Boxer flying more than 60 missions over Korea in the F-9 Panther Jet.

Joe eventually completed 25 years of service with retirement in 1968.

His service awards include the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals. Additionally, the Congress of the United States, on May 20, 2015, awarded the American Fighter Aces the Congressional Gold Medal for heroic actions as an American Fighter Ace.

Joe enjoyed his first retirement in which he and Diana took up ranching, raising kids and horses in Colorado, and flying slurry bombers against forest fires.

After hanging up his spurs in Colorado, he fulfilled a promise to Diana to take her back to the sea, and they retired to the wonderful community life in Coupeville and, then, Burlington, Wash.

The family would like to express their deep, heartfelt gratitude for all of the loving and caring expression of sympathy and joyful celebration of Joe’s life pouring out from family and friends.

We are very grateful for the loving care and assistance from Hospice of the Northwest and the Visiting Angels organization, which helped him and us have wonderful and blessed times as he completed this part of his journey and launched on his next flight leg.

A funeral mass was held on July 31 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coupeville to honor Joe’s life.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Catholic Relief Services.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.