DEAR DEBBIE ,KELLEY,CHRISTIE WE ALL REMEMBER JOE AND HIS FAVORITE EXPRESSION YOU ARE NOT LISTENING TO ME. WELL I HOPE HE IS LISTENING TO ALL OF US EXPRESSING OUR FEELINGS ABOUT HIM, AND ALL THE GOOD TIMES. JOE YOU WILL BE MISSED AND I HOPE YOU GET TO MEET JW. ONE OF THE GARAGE BOYS ED

Dear Debbie and family, My mom just called me to tell me of Joes passing. Sorry for your loss. I used to enjoy talking with Joe when i would see him at my Grandparents home in Hull and other family gatherings. Im sure his physical pain is gone and he is up in heaven seeing what carpentry improvements need to be done.

Debbie and Family, So sorry for your loss! I enjoyed talking with Joe many days while delivering the Ledger. I will miss him! Take care of yourself in the days to come. Pat Berkeley

Debbie, Kristy and Kelly, Joe was always there when you needed help. He had a great ability to build or fix anything and has been a great friend to our family. Two months ago he helped build Colby's car for the pinewood derby. I will miss seeing him in the neighborhood. The Boyle Family

I remember a particular visit to Joe's fire station many, many years ago. I had to be maybe 5 or 6 at the time. My father was somewhere on the first floor, hanging out in the radio room or the kitchen. I was on the very top floor, getting the grand tour from Joe. I remember seeing the safety doors that covered the ports that the fire poles ran from floor to floor through. I thought to myself, "That must be so fun to ride down." Moments later, the station alarm sounded, and Joe leaped into action. He looked right at me, and without saying a word scooped me up in one arm while hoisting open the hatches with his other. Instantly we were riding from floor to floor on the brass poles, him clinging to the pole with one arm while holding me in the other. Safely delivered to my dad, he and his crew rolled out into the early evening on another call. All in all that trip took maybe 20 seconds, some 33 or so years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Joe was many things to my family - Brother, uncle, mentor, backup, partner, and handyman. To me though, he was always a fireman first. Rest well.

The house that Joe built.... No 8 year old could build that house, I'm not sure to many licensed contractors could do it. I got credit but I'm pretty sure everyone knew who really did the work. Joe and I went on to build many homes (full size) as I got older. He really could do anything from building homes, furniture, electrical and plumbing. He taught me so much about how to do it the right way. My dad likes to take credit for my ability in these fields but I'll take a line from my brother-in-law and say he really put the "H" in Hack. I love my dad but he gets no credit for any carpentry skills. Actually, I take that back, he let me help Joe on many of his (my fathers that is) projects. One funny story happened a couple years ago, although I wasn't laughing at the time. Joe asked me to help finish the roof on the back of his home so we picked a Saturday to get it done. As everyone knows, Joe got pretty cranky as he got a little older and really had little interest in the actual physical labor anymore. I wasn't completely surprised when I showed up to strip the back roof and he told me he doesn't do that stuff any more. He actually sat at the picnic table with a couple friends (smoking and drinking if you can believe it) while Kelly's boyfriend and I did all the work. He did cut a few shingles and handed us some tools. Thank God Roger was there or I would have killed Joe that day. Joe (as well as Gerry) are the best uncles anyone could ask for. I have been really lucky.

I am so sorry to hear of Joes Passing. I have alot of Happy memories of him and how helpful and generous he was. My thoughts and prayers are with your Family. may he rest in Peace.

Deb, Kell, and Kristy I want you to know I am thinking of you and I love you! I always enjoyed my meetings with Joe, wether it be on Moncrief, or at the CP. I hope the good memories can help you get thru the tough times, and I am always here if you need anything xxo Leanne

I remember one of the first times I met Joe. It was about 25 years ago when my brother-in-law Mike and I were building our first house. We were up in NH clearing the lot, Joe worked his tail off that day cutting trees and stacking logs with Mike and I. After a long day of work we went back to Mike's place and were all filthy and beat. Joe sat across from me and with a disgusted face said "20 years ago I'd pick you up and throw you through that GD window!". I think Joe was establishing himself as the alpha male of the group, which startled me and gave Mike a chuckle. Joe was always a great guy, gave me my first framing hammer and other tools that he could sneak by Mike. I'll never forget him.

Dear Deb, Sam and I (and George) and my whole family are so sorry for your loss of your beautiful husband. Joe always had a smile for everyone. He is so missed. The China Plaza will not be the same. Our prayers are with you and the girls. Love Sam and Eileen

Debbie, We just want to tell you how sorry we are about Joe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. The Ole China Plaza won't seem the same without seeing Joe sitting in the corner. Our sincere sympathy to you all. Dot and Ken Peterson

I remember once a long time ago when Joe was building the addition on his house, I was helping nail down the subfloor in his upstairs corridor. I was little and had no place holding a hammer, and Joe was watching me try to hammer in a nail. Suddenly I hear him bellow out "TWO BANGS. All it takes it TWO BANGS". Which he demonstrated several times to me. I of course, had no hope of hitting any of those nails in with just two bangs, but I sure tried. I kept hammering away 5, 6 times or more on every one, I think I disappointed him. I am sure I missed the head of the nail far more often than I hit it. But I swear to god this is true, every single time I've used a hammer since then I hear him yell TWO BANGS in my head and I have a good chuckle. I still can't do it. Thanks for trying Joe, Adam

Debby, Kelly, & Kristy, I'll never forget the times I had with Joe at China Plaza, and all the favors he did for me when I needed him to help me move something, or someone. He always made his truck available for anyone who needed it. I will miss him terribly. May he rest in peace, and my prayers got out to your family.

Kelly,Christy & Deb, I just wanted you all to know that I am thinking of you. I hope your fond memories bring you comfort and peace during this time. I know you will find strength in the love you have for each other. Lauren Parker

Dear Deb, Kelly, Kristy, Roger, Lou and Kiki, We are so sorry for the loss of Joe. He was a great guy who will be very missed. It will not be the same to not see his truck up at the C.P. and then to see him sitting at his table when you walk in. We hope time helps you all to deal with this loss and that happy memories comfort you when you are feeling sad. Thinking of you all, Love Lori, Lee, Elise and Aidan

to deborah and kids sorry for your lose he was a great guy and will be missed very much

Debbie and family, I just learned that Joe passed and we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing him and waving to him. He will be greatly missed in the neighbor hood, he was always there for anyone who needed him even if it was only a question that needed an answer. God bless. With Sympathy, Ethel and Diane

Dear Debbie and Family, If ever their was a man that personified a true gentleman, Husband, Father and hero to all, it was Joe. Throughout the years, both you and Joe listened without judgement during the hardest periods of my life and always left me feeling as though I had your support and gentle guidance. The committment all of you have/had for eachother as a family is something beyond compare. God called Joe to his last alarm and I know that his spirit and soul will forever be keeping watch over all of us. God Bless and my heartfelt condolences, Sonja

So terrible that I learned today October 05,2012 that MY father passed away by searching for him on the internet

I just learned yesterday (6-9-12) that Joe had passed away. My condolences to the Connell family on your loss. Joe was one of my oldest friends, going back to the sixties. He was the best and quite a character. He was the best man at my wedding, but I can't hold that against him. I along with many of your friends and family will miss you Joe. Now you go to see the brothers who have gone before you. Rest In Peace old friend.