Joseph N. Lemieux, 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday Sept. 8, and is reunited with his beloved wife of 58 years Henrietta (Rapoza) Lemieux. Joseph was born on Sept. 21,1933, in Graniteville, Vt., and was a son of the late Alidor and Antoinette Marie (Fournier) Lemieux. He was the youngest of nine children and was raised in Vermont before establishing himself in Connecticut.
Joseph proudly enlisted to serve in the United States Navy during the Korean War, traveling the world aboard the USS Gatling (DD-671). He eventually settled in Bristol in 1962, where he and his wife Henrietta raised their family. His military background and attention to detail led him to work for Pratt and Whitney from 1958 until retiring in 1996.
Joseph is survived by four daughters: Kim Albini and predeceased by son-in-law Robert Albini of Marion, Donna Lemieux-Brehm and husband, David of Bend, Ore., Tamara Barlow and husband, Edwin of Windsor, and Lisa Nero of Ladera Ranch, Calif.; 10 cherished grandchildren: Christopher and Ashley Albini, Sarah and Alex Caffee, Amanda Berg and husband, Collin, Joshua, Andrew and Kara Barlow, and Cassie and Jessica Nero; two great-granddaughters: Adrianna Albini and Sofia Berg; and several nieces and nephews.
Joseph was an extraordinarily kind and gentle man, known for his infectious smile and witty one-liners. He was always happiest spending time with family and friends, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. When he wasn’t barbequing to country western music, or hustling his grandchildren at cards, he could be found enjoying many hobbies. He loved 10-pin bowling, exploring outdoors, traveling, enjoying live music and dancing with his wife and playing horseshoes.
As his faith remained a pillar throughout his life, he was a parishioner of Saint Matthew Church, Bristol. He was also a member of the Southington YMCA.
Last but certainly not least, the family expresses an eternal debt of gratitude to Heinrich “Henry” Hermann for the compassionate care and friendship extended to Joseph throughout his commendable battle with Lewy Body dementia. Not only did the special bond shared make an immeasurable impact on Joseph, but also provided tremendous comfort to his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 18, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave., Bristol. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the State of Connecticut Veteran’s Cemetery, Middletown. Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave. Bristol, on Monday between 10 and 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Please visit Joseph’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com
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