"Seeing all of the kind words, and memories shared makes me very happy on such a sad day. My cousin and I called him puppa because we couldn't pronounce papay. It was always mere and puppa. It has been one year since his death, and we all still grieve deeply even knowing that he's in a much better place waiting for us. I just want to thank everyone for keeping his memory alive in your heart."
In loving memory of
JOSEPH FELIX ROBERT SIROIS
October 28, 1931 - April 25, 2009
Joseph Sirois, 77, of 141 S. M-553, Sands Township, died peacefully Saturday afternoon at his residence in the presence of his family and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice.
He was born October 28, 1931, in Fort Kent, Maine, a son of Felix and Eva (Cyr) Sirois. He was raised there and was a 1950 graduate of Fort Kent High School.
Joseph served in the Army National Guard from 1949 to 1951. He then entered the US Air Force and served there until his retirement as a TSgt. in 1972. During his time in the Air Force Joseph served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 with a K-9 unit, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He also served as a security guard in Washington, DC during the inauguration of President Eisenhower.
Following his military service, Joseph worked with Global Van Lines, owning and operating his own truck. He then returned to KI Sawyer AFB and worked as Billeting Manager in 1982. In 1987 he took over the job of military housing on base until 1990.
Joseph and his wife then traveled between Florida and Texas. His leisure activities included fishing and hunting. He will always be remembered for his laughter.
Joseph is survived by five children, Richard (Linda) Sirois of Trenary, Louise (Louis) Verville of Sands Township, Michael (Vicki) Sirois of Sands Twp., Phyllis Amato of Sands Twp. And Paul (Paula) Sirois of Gwinn; grandchildren, Luke & Sadie Sirois, Damon Pietras, David & Michael Sirois, Anthony (Brenda) Amato and Christopher Sirois; sisters, Amy Ralston of Pamona, CA, Bertha Lozier of Soldier Pond, ME and Theresa Denny of Holyoke, MA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan on January 10, 1997 and brother, Roger Sirois in 2007.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 12 Noon in St. Louis the King Catholic Church with Deacon David Adler officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be in the Sands Township Cemetery with military honors given by the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #380 of Negaunee.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help defray medical costs can be made to Joseph's family.
Tributes
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember our smiling Uncle Robert!"
"Phyllis, Louise, Mike, Dick & Paul, I want to thank you all for sharing your Dad & Mom with me. As a teen I was welcomed into your family home as I was one of the family. Your Dad as well as your Mom would treat me as just one of the kids and I want you all to know that the memories we made will never go away. They are in heaven together & smiling down upon their children and very proud of all of us. You are all in my heart & thoughts, forever friends. Jill Artibee & family"
"Our families passed through time together making some great memories. It is such a sad time, but I have happy and fun memories about Joe, and will charish them."
"Cousins Dick Mike Louise Phyllis and Paul We are so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a wonderful man. I remember he and your mother visiting us in Andover. We were so excitied to have them and their BIG truck there. I remember him sitting in our living room telling a story and the next thing we knew he was fast asleep, sitting up before he even finished his story. We laughed and laughed and he still did not wake up. We have some wonderful memories of your whole family. Please know, your all in our hearts and prayers."
"To our cousins in MI. My memories of Uncle Robert are very special. I was 5 or 6 yrs. old and Diane and I drove to MI with Memere & Pepere Sirois to visit for a couple weeks. If you ever traveled with Felix, he didn't stop for too long! We had a very nice quick trip to the UP arriving very late at night. Uncle Robert met us some place near Marquette to guide us to your home. I had been sleeping and when I awoke I simply got out of the car and started wandering, not really knowing where I was. Uncle Robert came and so gently tried to reorient me. His gentle smile, laugh and hug were very special to me, as I was a little scared at that moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. With sympathy, Lisa, Dave, Josh and Eliot"
"Phyllis, Louise, Mike, Paul and Dick, all the spouses and children, My hearts aches at the loss of your dad, you know I always thought highly of him and all of you.He was always such a joy to be around, even though he could have his moments.He was always glad to see me and willing to spend some time chatting when ever I was able to see him when I was up there. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure that when your dad entered heaven that Allan tried to get him to go for a beer and your mom was there to keep them both under control. I love you all."
"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. I will be in our chapel at 12:00 noon today. Love you all, God Bless you all on this Day"
"Cousins Dick, Louise, Mike, Phyllis and Paul, Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. I have very found memories of Uncle Robert. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories. Gone but not forgotten.... Our Sympathies, Diane Steff and family"
"Uncle Bob, You will be greatly missed . I can remember when i was a teenager ( many years ago ) and always looked forward to hearing that big truck pull down our street when you and aunt Joanne came for a visit when you were in the area. Then when you retired you would visit with your camper. Well now, i have a camper and i think of you two all the time when i am travelling in it. Miss you both !"
"Phylls & family: our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Joanne & Ken"
"Paul and family I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family, you have our deepest sympathies."
"Our thoughts and Prayers are with you, Cherish the Memories. Love you all, Roy , Jean & Di"
"To Joe's family, Working for Joe in the Military Family Housing Office was a pleasure. He was always smiling and positive. I am very sorry for your loss. Donna Marchak"
"You are in our thoughts and Prayers, May he watch over you all and guide you. Love you, Roy,Jean & Dianne"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will always have very fond memories of Uncle Robert."
"In every single memory I have of Uncle Robert, I am laughing. He lived a beautiful life."
"To my cousins in the UP, my condolences. I was saddened by the news, yet relieved he is done suffering. Mon oncle Robert was very special to me. I will miss his warm smile. love to all of you, Jackie and Barbara"
"Paul, Phyllis, Louise, and Family, Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, a look back in your memory can help comfort you tomorrow. I have always admired the amount of love and affection Joe had towards his family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family."
"Joe was always a guy who would say Hello and have a good word to say to anyone...I know he loved all his family... He is resting in Peace...."
"Mike, We're thinking of you and your fmy & keeping you in our prayers. Grace be with you & peace from God the Father & the Lord Jesus Christ. II John 1:3 Mary, Julie, Wendy, Judy, Joe & Matt"
"JOE YOU WERE A BIG PART OF OUR FAMILIES LIFE FOR 9 YEARS. WE WILL MISS YOUR JOKES, SMILES, LAUGHTER AND COMPANY VERY MUCH. TO YOUR FAMILY I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, AND MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME IN YOUR LIFE."
"Phyllis, Louise & Family, I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I know how very much both of you loved him and how well you cared for him through his illness. Please know that Ross and I are keeping you close in our thoughts at this difficult time. Love, Joelle & Ross"