BRISSETTE, JOSEPH C.

Joseph Cecil Brissette, of Springvale, Maine, passed away at his home in the care of his loving wife, Carolyn (Sirisky) on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, one month shy of 92 years.

A true patriot and a lifelong Democrat, Joe was born Feb. 22, 1920, in Bath, Maine. Joe spent his childhood on the family potato farm in Caribou, Maine. On Monday, Dec. 8, 1941, he proudly joined the U.S. Marines to serve in World War II. He served under Colonel Edson as a 1st Marine Raider in the South Pacific until 1945. He received a Purple Heart and a medical discharge for his injuries. After discharge, he moved to California and started his family. He was a motorcycle sergeant for the Piedmont, Calif., police. He returned to Hartford and started his career in carpentry. He proudly belonged to Carpenters Local 43 for 60 years and held a lifetime membership. He married Carolyn, his cherished wife and loving caregiver, 40 years ago. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting, camping, fishing, and boating. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A gifted storyteller, young and old alike waited to hear his stories. He would entertain everyone for hours. He was a skilled cribbage player until the end. He was at his best when any of his grandchildren were around. He thought the world of them and would never tire of recounting stories about them.

He is predeceased by his parents, Eleanor and Benjamin of Auburn, Maine; brother, Benjamin Jr. He was also predeceased by his firstborn son, Joseph (Skipper) and stepdaughter, Linda. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; sister-in-law, Alice; five children, Mariella (Glenn), Tolland, Marcia (Ken), Woodbury, Minn., Jeff (Linda), Coventry, Martina (Martin), Vernon, Margareta, Tolland; stepdaughter, Liz; and stepson, Eddie. Joe is also survived by 15 adoring grandchildren and nine precious great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the visiting nurses for their care and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Notre Dame Church in Springvale. Burial with military honors will follow at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale.