Jose Anibal Negron Jr. Obituary (1953 - 2022)

Col. Jose A. Negron, Jr., USAF, Ret., born October 26, 1953, died peacefully in his home at the age of 68 on September 29, 2022, following a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Jose loved his children, grandchildren, extended family, employees, and many friends. He is survived by his two children and their spouses Joseph (Heather) Negron and Alisa (Christopher) Jones and by his beloved grandchildren: Elisabeth, Tori Jane, Olivia, Amelia, Luke, and Noah. He was affectionately known to them as Pops and Grandpops. Jose has three surviving brothers and their spouses: Edwin (Lori), Jorge (Nancy), and Eric (Monica) Negron. His loss is also mourned by his girlfriend Kate Amann and her son Otto Rebane. He was proceeded in death by his loving parents Jose Sr. and Nelcy Negron of Leesville, Louisiana. Jose spent his early childhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His father ended his military assignments in Fort Polk, Louisiana, where the family settled. Jose graduated from Leesville High School and Louisiana Tech before beginning his military career as a B-52 Radar Navigator. While assigned to EUCOM Headquarters, Jose led the development of the US component of NATO's original Quick Reaction Force. Upon outbreak of the Somali Civil War, Jose was charged with supporting the United Nations as a key member of Operation Provide Relief and given the responsibility and authority of organizing and controlling oversight and scheduling of all relief flights to and from Somalia. He also directed humanitarian airlifts out of Sarajevo and Rwanda, saving lives during the 1994 and 1995 genocide crises. Jose also survived the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, having been present at the portion struck several minutes before the attack. Jose was the Program Manager of the first Defense Advanced Research Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenge. The program was to spur American ingenuity to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicle technologies that could be applied to military requirements. Jose would often explain to loved ones how the principles he gained from the USAF contributed to his success as an entrepreneur. Upon his retirement, Jose took on the challenge of establishing and running a small business. He was the founder, President & CEO of AVANTI Technologies, Inc., focused on technical support, education, advertising & marketing. Jose worked to help save lives and heal those with wounds and ailments. Whether visiting the Wounded Warriors Burn Unit or supplying oxygen related wound care treatments, Jose applied his skills providing medical equipment around the world to serve those in need. Jose A. Negron, Jr., loved life and was an incredible visionary. He was full of energy and ideas and was always looking to help and bless others. Jose was one of the most generous people that you could have ever met. He considered the blessings he received as reason enough to help others get established in their lives and careers. He was warm and generous toward anyone who took time to listen, often having the loudest voice and laugh in the room. He loved hosting dinners and celebrating momentous occasions with family, friends, and co-workers. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life service will be held October 29, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) at Reston Bible Church, 45650 Oakbrook Ct., Sterling, VA 20166.