Joseph W. Levesque

Joe was born on February 22, 1941 in West Enfield, Maine to the late Eva Gregory and Edward Levesque. He moved to Connecticut in the early 1960's after serving in the US Army from 1958 - 1962. As his wife, Beth, I was honored to be by his side through illness until death, and all of the amazing moments in between. Joe's service in the US Army was an experience he said he was so fortunate to have had. I never tired of listening to his stories of being in the army. Joe retired from Pratt and Whitney in 1999 after 35 years - another venture he claimed to fully enjoy. He always said, "I never minded going to work." Joe was dedicated to everything he set his mind to doing, and never complained about anything. He was handy around the house and could fix just about anything. In his younger years he enjoyed bowling and golfing, having joined a golf league after Ruthie passed - not knowing a thing about the sport. He became pretty darn good at it, but after retirement his passion became working outside in our yard, creating the most beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. He always looked forward to spring and being able to "get outside". He loved nature and wildlife, and we were blessed to have been able to take many trips together, including Ogunquit, Maine, several national parks, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Canada. He used to say “People often ask why not just travel the US, there is so much to see - but for me, anywhere I go that I haven't been before is enjoyable and beautiful because it is a new place to explore." We loved our road trips. Joe took pleasure in watching UConn basketball, the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox, identifying as a diehard New Englander. Joe was truly a good man. He was fun, good humored, and would do anything for anyone and I loved his "Joisms”. He often said that he felt he had a good life and after fighting the fight, he was ready to go. Joe is survived by his loving daughter Brenda Calvo (Diane Owens), cherished granddaughter Cassandra Gaines (Jordan), and beloved great grandson Thomas, sisters Lorraine Caron, Margaret Shorette (Mark Gibson), Carmela LeRiche, Judy Robinson (Lee Giffen), Gert Cicero (Ed Flores), brother Richard Levesque (Sandy). Joe was predeceased by his first love and wife, Ruthie, son Raymond, brothers Vaughn, Donald, Perley and Paul, "Manny”, sisters Marlene, Rita, brother in laws Oda, Bert, and sister in laws Sarah and Paula. Joe is also survived by in laws Lucienne, Johnny, Bernadette (Kathy), Anthony (Silvana), Terry (Anthony) and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, friends and Ma Tante Terri. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Dr.'s Rutter, Kuwada, Fumo and Massoud, nurse Maura, and the technicians at Hartford Hospital Radiation Oncology, Hospice nurses, Kathleen, Colleen and Beth, Social worker, Sister Catherine Mary. I want to give a special thank you to Nicole Silva, Joe's Speech Therapist, who held unwavering compassion and understanding for Joe. I will forever be grateful to our family, friends, and my work family who gave us undying love and support. We have been truly blessed to have all of you in our lives. May each and every one reap the goodness you bestowed to us “tenfold”. Joe truly was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I am so thankful to have had him for 31 of the best years of my life. He helped make me a better person. I will forever remember his first loving glance, his warm touch, his smile and the joy and comfort I felt in just being in his presence, whether it be cuddling or holding hands. “We've had a beautiful life. There is nothing else to be said. No stones left unturned. Joe, my Joe, “Rest in Peace.” A memorial mass for Joe will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM in St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St, Plantsville. Burial will be private and there will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and the Franciscan Home Care & Hospice Care