Joseph Zerilli, a quick-witted U.S. Navy veteran with a lifetime of stories, still vividly remembers serving aboard the USS Lake Champlain — including one unforgettable day in 1961 when the aircraft carrier helped recover astronaut Alan Shepard after America’s first crewed suborbital spaceflight.

Zerilli’s dedication to his country began shortly after high school, inspired by his father, who served in the Navy during World War II.

“That’s how I ended up on an aircraft carrier. I was going to be an electronics engineer,” he said. During his four years of active duty, Zerilli was stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, aboard the USS Lake Champlain.

“I have so many memories. All good memories come to mind,” Zerilli said.

A standout moment was his participation in the recovery operation for NASA astronaut Alan Shepard on May 5, 1961, following America’s first crewed suborbital flight.

“After crashing down miles from Cape Canaveral, Shepard was delivered to the flight deck of the USS Lake Champlain,” he said.

Zerilli’s service included patrolling the Atlantic Coast from the Caribbean to the North Atlantic. He recounted the aftermath of a devastating hurricane in Haiti in the early 1960s. He and his fellow servicemen delivered supplies.

“We did a pretty good job of helping them,” he said. He also recalled the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis during that time frame.

Away from the military, Zerilli’s life is enriched by the love and companionship of his wife, Arleen, whom he met while tending bar 60 years ago.

“We got to talking and just kept talking.” he said with a chuckle.

After his service, Zerilli began his civilian career as a material handler for U.S. Gypsum in 1964. He later transitioned to working in a paint factory.

“I used to jump in these big tubs with every chemical you’d think of,” he said, then joked, “Which rightfully means I should have six heads and 40 arms.”

His career spanned various trades, including bartending and maintenance. “My life is full of watching what the other guy’s doing and learning it,” he explained, crediting his keen observation skills for his success in several careers.

Zerilli also worked at Brewers Dry Dock and served as a bridge and tunnel officer in New York. He attributed much of his structured approach to life to his military training.

“I like the idea that it was regimented. Nobody can figure everything out on their own.” he said. “We learned to be careful so that you come out as you went in. I liked the routine of things.”

In his leisure time, Zerilli enjoys taking the bus to Atlantic City for a little fun. He is a proud father and grandfather to his daughters, Loury and Marianne, and son, Joseph.

The love he holds for his family continues to fuel this veteran’s spirited and joyful approach to life.