Joseph Burgess

WELLFLEET - Joe, Blockie, Burgess, age 87, passed away June 13, 2011 at his home after a lengthy illness. He spent the last days of his life surrounded by his loving family and peacefully went to be with the Lord. He was the son of John and Mary Burgess.

Joe was born and brought up in Provincetown, moving to Wellfleet when he married Marilyn Schuster who predeceased him. He worked at a stable at a very early age from 4am to 9pm seven days a week for the sum of $3.00 a week. He was the first employee of Marcey Oil Co. in Provincetown. He also worked at the cold storage running the trolley car that hauled the fish down the pier, he ran and owned various fishing vessels and loved the sea. He had many businesses – trucking, dock building, carpentry, mobile fish market, home security – whatever was necessary to support his family. He was elected Highway Surveyor for the Town of Wellfleet for 15 years, and also he was Harbormaster, Special Police Officer and Volunteer Fireman for many years. After his retirement he ran a food wagon at Newcomb Hollow Beach. He built several boats, trailers and was always busy gardening, building and tending his chickens. He led a full life, loved spending time with his family – he touched the lives of many people. He had a wealth of knowledge about Provincetown and Wellfleet. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy (Gates) Burgess, children Stephen and Barbara Burgess, Gary Burgess, Alan and Leigh Burgess, Maria and Tom Hollis, sister Olivia and Sherman Merrill, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601, or to the National Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave., Norwood, MA 02062.

A Graveside service will be held Monday, June 20, 2011, 1 PM at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Wellfleet, MA followed by a time of fellowship at the home of Maria and Tom Hollis, 20 Weatherly Ave., Wellfleet, MA-all are welcome.