It is with great sorrow that the family of Joseph Harold Criner, age 79, announce his death on March 14, 2026. 

Joseph was born on September 26, 1946 in Morgantown, West Virginia. Joseph’s father Lt.Col. Harold S. Criner (USAF ret.), mother Virginia L. Criner, and sister Betty Rae Brain all predeceased him in death. 

Joseph is survived by his nieces Jennifer Brain Dill, Melissa L. Altom, brother-in-law Sidney G. Brain, and numerous family members in West Virginia. 

Joseph graduated from Narimasu High School in Tokyo, Japan and attended the University of Florida. He enlisted in the US Navy in1969, served 22 years active duty and retired from active duty in 1990, and then served 8 years on fleet reserve. Joseph attained the rank CTOC Cryptologic Communications Branch (Chief Petty Officer). During his time in the US Navy, Joseph was assigned to 13 different duty stations all over the world with numerous temporary assignments to various ships and received numerous awards and commendations. 

Joseph’s internment took place on 6/1/2026 at 1pm in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Titusville, Fl next to his parents. The graveside service featured military honors by the US Navy and homily by Pastor Jan Cary of Trinity Lutheran Church of Titusville, Fl.