Joseph F. Poulin

Born January 25TH, 1924. Entered into eternal rest November 30th, 2010.

Joe was born in Skowhegan, Maine and entered the work force early in life, joining the Civilian Conservation Corps shortly after completing his eighth grade studies. The Poulin Quality(PC), for which he was later noted, developed early in his work ethic as his interests in auto mechanics developed.

After World War II broke out, he enlisted in the military services at age 18 (almost). He had to promise his mom that he would stay stateside and be a mechanic, before she would agree to let him go. After finishing his basic training, the service was asking for volunteers to join the gunnery unit. He volunteered because it was more money, and he felt he could send more money home. He went on to serve in the European War Theater and in time, he was credited with 50 missions in a B-17 bomber as a waist and tail gunner.

After his discharge in 1945, he met and married Joan LaPointe, his bride of 62 years, on September 19, 1948. After the birth of their 3rd son he moved the family from Massachusetts, to Mesa, where the family continued to grow with an additional 3 boys.

After moving to Mesa he continued to work in the automotive field culminating his career as Service Manager for Tony Coury Buick for over 20 years. He was an active member of Queen of Peace Parish for over 50 years. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, served with the Optimists Service Club, and participated with the local Boy Scout Troop as the Assistant Scout Master for Troop 656. He was a member of one of the first classes Mesa Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy .

He had a passion for the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish and camp. He and his bride Joan also had the opportunity to travel to worldwide with stops in Spain, Jamaica, and Alaska. His favorite personal collections included boats and fishing tackle.

He passed on his values to his children with such words of wisdom as, “if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well”, and “leave it better than you found it”, and “work with your fanny behind you.”

Joe is survived by Joan, his wife of 62 years, and his six sons, Robert, Dennis, Ron, Bill, Jim and Rick. He has 10 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren and one on the way.

His ever present smile will be missed by his loving family and many friends and his friendship will continue to be felt for years to come. Rest in peace dad.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.