Joseph Arthur Lajeunesse, Sr., 86, affectionately known as “Papa Joe”, went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Auburn, the son of the late Joseph A. and Mary Evelyn (Desmarais) Lajeunesse.

Joseph graduated from Commerce High School, Becker Junior College and attended Worcester Junior College where he majored in corporate accounting and taxation. He was a proud veteran of World War II and the Korean War, serving with the US Navy aboard the USS Mount Olympus. Upon his return, Joseph began working for the former Carol Bakers, Inc. as a driver and ice cream maker during his college years. While at Carol’s, he met the former Lorraine E. Benoit, who also worked at Carol’s. For Lorraine, it was love at first sight. They were married less than a year later on September 2, 1950, began their married life in Worcester and then settled in the current family home in 1960. Joe went on to work as a shipper, machinist, an assistant shipping inspector and then as a bookkeeper for the former Coes Knife Company (formerly Loring Coes Co). He later served as assistant treasurer, treasurer and later was named to the board of directors, retiring after 35 years of service to the company. He was a member of the National Association of Accountants, a registered tax practioner and notary public. In his retirement years, Joseph worked as a van driver for the Council of Aging in West Boylston. He also ran a wedding oriented video business, Video Visions for 20 years. An active Scout leader for 35 years, Joseph served as a Cubmaster and later a Scoutmaster for Troop 151 in West Boylston. He provided a truly rewarding scouting experience for many young men over his 35 years of service to the Troop and earned the Scouter’s Key Award. He also held various positions within the Mohegan Council, and was awarded the District Merit and the Silver Beaver Award. A truly faith filled man, Joseph and Lorraine were part of the founding group of 12 of the Liberty Church in Shrewsbury. He shared his talents and treasures with the church anytime that he was asked, including serving as the treasurer of the church for more than 12 years. Joseph recently stated that Lorraine was the source of his energy and the Lord was his strength. Together, they created a home filled with love and it continues to serve as a haven for everyone. He knew how to make even the most trivial of jobs around the home fun for everyone. The vacation trips camping were numerous, with special stories and memories for each adventure, which will continue to live on in the telling of all those stories.

Besides his beloved wife of 64 years, Lorraine, Joseph leaves his six children, Joseph A. Lajeunesse, Jr., John J. and Stephen J. Lajeunesse, all of West Boylston, Michael S. Lajeunesse of Worcester, Donna M. Rice of West Boylston and Linda M. Norval of Willington, CT; his 21 grandchildren, his 21 great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three sisters, Mary Agnes E. Mellen, Doris Jean Mattero and Florence E. Tellier.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joseph’s family on Wednesday, December 10, from 5-8 p.m. at Liberty Church, 495 Hartford Turnpike (Rte. 20), Shrewsbury. Joseph’s funeral honoring and celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, December 11, at 10 a.m. at the church, followed by burial with military honors in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to Liberty Church, 495 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling.