Joseph Martin, Jr.

GRAFTON – Joseph P. Martin, Jr., 80, passed away Sunday, May 28th after a long illness in St. Vincent’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Joe loved family, friends, children, and music. Joe was an accomplished musician who loved playing his accordion and organ. Joe graduated from Sutton Memorial High School and New England School of Accounting. After graduation he worked at Dubrey Trucking, and James Cowan and Sons as an accountant and business manager. For thirty-five years he devoted himself to the care and education of young children as a co-founder of Pakachoag Acres and The Early Learning Centers. He was a lifelong member of the Knight of Columbus.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph P. Martin and Margaret (Mahoney) Martin, his son James P Martin, and his grandson Joseph Philip Martin.  He leaves his wife, Sandra J. (Strakosz); his son Joseph3rd and daughter-in-law Tricia (Orrico) of Auburn; his daughter Joanne and her husband John Castonguay of Millbury; his son Michael and daughter-in-law Nancy (Trottier) of Millbury; and son John and daughter-in-law Alicia (Ross) of Grafton. He leaves ten grandchildren Megan, Mathew, Jill, Steven, James, Christopher, Shannon, Dan, Emma, and Jack. He also leaves 12 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins locally and across the country. Family was the most important thing to Joe. He was “ready to go” but didn’t “want to leave” his family. He will be remembered for his wit, humor, love of children, and music.

Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Joseph’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Friday, June 2nd from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street in Millbury.

His graveside service will be celebrated on the same day at 11:15 a.m. in Fairview Cemetery, 390 Providence Road, South Grafton.

In lieu of flowers, please do something nice for someone or make a donation in Joe’s name to a charity of your choice.