This obituary was originally published on Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.
Joseph Richard Tansey Jr. (Joe) passed away on Tuesday, December 23, after a brief illness. Joe was 61.
Joe was predeceased by his parents; Father Joseph Tansey Sr. in 1991, stepfather Russell Laustsen in 2017, and mother Doris K. Laustsen in 2025.
He is survived by his sister, Donna-Marie (Tansey) Saultz and her husband Edward.
Joe was born in New Jersey in 1964. While he was in High School, Joe was a member of the Police Explorers and ultimately became a photographer for the local Fire Department. It was in his senior year that Joe enlisted in the United States Navy.
In 1982 he began basic training and afterward was assigned on the U.S.S. Belknap, CG-26 during the Gulf War Peacekeeping Mission to the Middle East. Joe served as a Torpedoman’s Mate/Underwater Weapons Technician. Joe was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal and was Honorably Discharged. He also received Honorable Discharges from his service in the US Naval and US Army Reserves.
In the early 1990’s, Joe’s journey would take him to Florida. There he pursued his interests in the audio-visual field working for Central Audio Visual Inc. He escalated his career path in the A/V field with the Calvary Chapel Church and Academy of Ft. Lauderdale.
In 2005, his journey took him to New Bern, North Carolina where his folks, Doris and Russ, retired to a home in the Historic District. With Joe’s passion and affinity for photography, his interest was piqued by the beauty and structure of the historic homes, as well as the monuments and landscapes of the old cemeteries. He was also fascinated by the run-down farmhouses that were ultimately reclaimed by nature.
Joe remained involved with the audio/visual field working for Hatteras Yachts installing mechanical and electrical systems on newly constructed watercraft. During his time in New Bern Joe also completed his Associate’s Degree at Craven Community College.
Six years later, Joe would find himself relocating to Fayetteville where he secured a position as Audiovisual Equipment Specialist working for the Department of Defense – US Army Ft. Bragg. During his 14+ year career, Joe became the lead civilian Audiovisual Technician providing support at many high-visibility event functions. Joe’s passion remained in photography. He photographed countless uniformed service members of all branches and ranks. Joe had the unique ability to connect with people in a matter of minutes; making first impressions that would remain to this day. Joe received numerous accolades from many individuals with whom he interacted/photographed.
Joe also traveled internationally with his family, while experiencing the local cultures, Joe photographed city vistas, churches, people, local flora, cemetery structures, and museum art. His travels took him to the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, as well as Denmark, Amsterdam, Poland and the Czech Republic. He shared his photographs with family and friends and had many of his amazing photos made into puzzles!!
Joe always put family first, including his pets. He was quiet yet observant. He had a presence that was subdued yet appropriately diplomatic. Joe had a dry, sarcastic, perplexing, and, oft times, snarky, wit. He was a loyal friend and coworker. He was an amazing brother and always remained a kid at heart! He will be greatly missed by many, and every time Joe is thought about, it will keep his memory near….
Joe will be interred at St. Theresa’s Cemetery in New Jersey. Services will be arranged at a later date.