SANGERVILLE- Joe, cherished and beloved husband, devoted father, and dedicated teacher of chemistry, physics, and computer science died at 81 after a long illness on April 2, 2025, at home with his wife of 60 years by his side. Growing up in Bloomfield, NJ, his parents enriched his life with trips to many of the nation's National Parks, camping in the Adirondacks, opera, and by supporting his trumpet and trombone performances leading to his life-long love for music and natural wonders of the earth. By his father's side, Joe learned creative and practical skills of mechanics, electricity, carpentry and electronics leading to his ingenuity in problem solving for his science and computer work. After completion of his undergraduate degree at Montclair State University and his graduate degree from Temple University, Joe began his life-long teaching career at the secondary level, first for many years at Whippany Park High School in NJ and, then, starting at age 40, at Dexter Regional High School until retirement. In 1965, Joe married his college sweetheart, Beth. They traveled, worked, and started a family. He taught himself to play the piano so that he could play the old standards from the 30s, 40s, and 50s that he loved to play in his highschool dance band. In the 70s, Joe taught himself computer programming on his PET home computer followed by further education in programming at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Water skiing from the back of his Crestliner boat was a favorite pastime. Joe moved with his family to Dexter. In Maine, he rehabilitated the house on Wassookeag Farm at 123 Zions Hill Rd., was a good steward of the Sangerville land of woods and fields, and he refined his cabinetry skills. He enjoyed sailing in Belfast, canoeing in streams, and kayaking in ponds and other waterways. He traveled throughout France twice enjoying all that that country has to offer. After retirement in 2004, he and Beth used their creative skills together to plan their South Sangerville house in the woods and fields that he loved. Joe used his honed life-long skills to make it beautiful. He traveled to Costa Rica, Eastern Canada, Florida, and London. Summers included many years at the Maine State Music Theater performances, gardening, and trips to Ripley Organic Farm. In winter, he attended Met Live Opera at the Waterville Opera House as well as National Theatre filmed productions. He also enjoyed Center Theatre performances and local classical musical concerts. Year round, he enjoyed his friends and books at the Abbott Memorial Library Book Club. For fun, he wrote some witty vignettes and poems, played his piano, worked on his computer, and snuggled his cats. He volunteered for the Pine Tree Hospice for 5 years, was part of the Congregational Church family in Dover-Foxcroft, and served on the Central Hall Common's Board of Directors. Joe's life was built on love, devotion, dedication, the value of life-long friends, and finding joy wherever he could. He was very intelligent, sensitive, humorous, and a hero to his soulmate, Beth. He is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Ranagan; James Lee, his son-in-law; 2 grandchildren, Benjamin and Emily; and his wife, Beth. Thank you to Beacon Hospice and everyone, too numerous to name, who showed compassion for Joe during the final journey of his life. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.