Joseph R. Lajoie

GARDNER - Joseph R. Lajoie, 89, of 142 Logan Street, Gardner, died peacefully on Thursday, September 26 at his residence. He was born in Gardner on April 30, 1924, son of William and Alice (Patnode) Lajoie. Joseph was a United States Veteran of World War II.  While proudly serving his country, he earned eight bronze stars for battles and campaigns in Sicily, Salerrno, North Africa, Tinian, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Luzon, and the Philippines.   He was also awarded the Victory and Good Conduct Medals.   He worked at Mead Containers for 23 years.  He later worked as a co-proprietor of the Vegetable Bin in Athol for 10 years.   Joseph enjoyed playing pool, working in his garden, and watching the Red Sox.  Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was a life-long member of the VFW Post 905 in Gardner. His wife of 56 years, Martha (Kempi) Lajoie, passed away in 2001.  After his wife’s passing, Joseph became a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and eventually became an elder of the Church. Joseph leaves three sons, Ronald Lajoie and his wife, Roberta of Gardner; Steven Lajoie and his partner, Carol Paulding of Glendale, Arizona; Brian Lajoie and his partner, Robert Parady of Gardner.  He leaves one daughter, Nora Lajoie-Frisch and her husband, Tim of Chandler, Arizona.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jeffrey Lajoie of Gardner; Bradley Lajoie of Chicago Christopher Goguen, Jennifer Goguen, and Kelly Couch, all of Arizona.  Joseph also leaves seven great grand children, Jake and Alex Lajoie; Matthew and Natalie Goguen; Ashlyn, Charlotte and Skyler Couch. He was pre-deceased by four sisters,  Flora Lefebvre, Rachel Hawryla, Irene Bevis, and Eleanor Reynolds; one brother, Leo Lajoie, and one great grandson, Greyson Goguen.   A memorial service will be held at the Church of Latter Day Saints, 634 Pearl Street, Gardner, on Monday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m                . There are no calling hours.  Private graveyard services will be in Woodside Cemetery. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Gardner GVNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner or to the Church of Latter Day Saints.   Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });