Joseph L. Lapierre, 92, passed away while in the loving care of his beloved wife and family on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Christopher Heights in Worcester.

The order in which he lived his life was simple:   Family, God, and Country.

At the young age of 18, Mr. Lapierre enlisted in the military and proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Army Air Force as an Aerial Gunner, and received several decorations and citations including the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon.

Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Germaine M. Goyette, on September 16, 1946. They recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary.

A gifted architect, Mr. Lapierre designed and built their family home on Mountain Lane in Worcester in 1956. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, retiring at age 62.  He was an avid skier and also enjoyed golf, tennis, sailing and playing cribbage with his family.

Family meant the world to him. To watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren flourish was among his greatest joys.

He will be forever missed and remembered by his wife, Germaine M. (Goyette) Lapierre;  daughters; Jeanne L. Dolan of VA, Elaine M. Knott and husband, Robert of Paxton, MA, Anne M. Fratantonio  and husband, Mark of Indiana; son, Paul A. Lapierre and his wife, Lenore of CA; eight grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He leaves two sisters, Doris Wesolowski of Auburn, Frances LaJeunesse of Marlborough; a brother, Paul LaPierre of Shrewsbury; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Lapierre, and sister, Helen Bourassa.

The Lapierre family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staffs of Notre Dame Hospice and Christopher Heights for their exceptional care and compassion during Mr. Lapierre’s illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, December 3 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday, December 4 at St. Christopher’s Church, 950 West Boylston Street, Worcester.  Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Advancement Office, Notre Dame Health Center, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, 01605 or to a charity of one’s choice.