Joseph Laurie, Sr.

On April 1, 2021, our sweet Father, Joseph "Buddy" Ross Laurie, 89 ,of Greenfield, Massachusetts left those he loved and cherished, to be reunited in Heaven, with the love of his life, Lorraine.

Joe came into this world during the Great Depression on December 15, 1931 in the small town of Greenfield MA, the son of Josephine (Siwicki )Laurie Hicks and Anthony Laurie.

Joe was a bright, inquisitive, and independent child. His good looks won him a beauty contest. He excelled at being a master escape artist, making it to Main Street in his birthday suit. Once he had fire trucks screaming towards him, when curiosity led him to pull a fire alarm, all before the tender age of four.

He loved fishing with his little brother and Uncles, playing ball with the neighborhood kids, and hanging out at the swimming pool. For extra money he would shine shoes at the Railroad station. Standing pins at the bowling alley.

He attended Davis Street Elementary school, Greenfield jr and Senior high. He loved sports and played on the Jayvee Basketball team.

January 1949, at just barely 17, wanting to see the world and serve his country, he joined the Army, a few years later at 19, Joe served in the Korean War. He was part of the 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion "Red Dragons" He also was a bugler, blowin' reveille.

While on leave he met the love of his life Lorraine at the Turners Falls Rolling skating rink, they were married June 12, 1956. Immediately following the wedding Joe was stationed in Honolulu Hawaii, a few months later his young bride would join him. Joe and Lorraine, went on to have four children, Jeanne, Joseph (Joey) jr, Jenny and Lisa. They were married for 62 years. For their 60th anniversary, surrounded by family and friends, they renewed their vows. Lorraine wore a beautiful white gown and Joe in his military dress uniform.

Joe's Military career spanned 23 years, ranking as a Chief Warrant Officer3 he had 9 tours, 3 in Korea, 1 in Germany, 2 in Vietnam, 1 in Okinawa, 1 in Thailand, 1 in Hawaii-25th Infantry Division. Served in two wars, was wounded, received over 30 medals, ribbons, badges, including 2 Army Commendation Medals with 2 oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct 4 Bronze conduct knots, National Defense Service Medal Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal 4 Bronze Stars, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, Joint Service Gommendation Medal, Combat Service Medal, American

Defense, Cold War Victory, Honorary Discharge Medal Occupation Medal Japan, Germany, Korea, Vietnam. Stateside, his homebase was Aberdeen Proving ground in Maryland, while there he taught communication classes.

Upon retiring from the Military in 1972, Joe settled his family back in Greenfield. He spent time as a Police Officer in Dover Vermont as well as head of Security for Mount Snow. Finding the distance too far, he started driving charter buses for Sullivan/Kumeskus bus lines. This led to driving the school buses for the Greenfield school district, rising to Manager, where he worked until he retired. Joe was an avid bowler and belonged to numerous leagues in the many places he lived. He at one time considered becoming a Professional. He worked part-time at the Greenfield Bowling alley. Joe was also an excellent golfer, he was a member of the Greenfield Country Club. He was a die-hard Patriots and Red Sox fan. He was thrilled when given the opportunity to view part of a game from the dug out. The moment was televised! One of his favorite past times was taking televisions apart and putting them back together. He was a big fan of John Wayne, and never saw a western he didn't love, whether it was a movie or a paperback. He made amazing potato pancakes and only put the peanut butter in the very center of the bread.

Joe had a deep love for the town he grew up in. He demonstrated this by serving two terms as Selectman. He campaigned for growth and change. He desired to see Greenfield evolve and prosper, wanting to bring new businesses that would add jobs and revenue. Joe started most mornings at Adam's donuts, where he could be found having lively debates on, you guessed it, politics!

While his children were teens, he was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, he was elected Alliance Men President, he enjoyed leading bible study, sharing his faith. Later in life Lorraine and Joe became members of Living Waters Church.

Joe was larger than life, often described as a character. He had this wonderful way about him, a warmth, the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, that instantly made you feel as if you were long lost friends. He was gifted with laughter, he had the most amazing laugh. It was a good day for him if he was able to tell a corny joke and make you laugh as well. He possessed strong values and beliefs. A quiet, strong faith in God. He never backed down when it came to defending what was right. He never cared for social classes, for him everyone

was equal and welcomed. He loved his beautiful wife Lorraine, got such a kick out of teasing her and making her blush. A devoted loving Father, Grandfather, and friend. An incredibly kind, generous, caring man. He will be greatly missed and forever cherished.

Joe joins his wife Lorraine (Duprey) Laurie; his parents, Josephine (Siwicki) and Anthony Laurie; his stepfather Richard Hicks; his sister's Joanne O'Neil and Jeann, in Heaven.

He is survived by his four children, his daughter, Jeanne S, Madore (Joe) of Greenfield, his son, Joey R. Laurie jr of Greenfield; his daughters, Jenny A Tyler of Wichita, KS and Lisa E. Wilkins (Scott) of Carver: seven grandchildren, Kenny Tirrell (Amanda)of Greenfield, Heather Madore (Bonnie)of Orange, Joshua Tyler and Mandy Tyler of Wichita, KS. Rachel Wilkins of Boston, Jacob Wilkins and Jesse Wilkins of Carver; two step-grandchildren, Miranda Madore of West Haven, CT, Corey Madore of Greenfield; his brother Robert Laurie of Palatka, FL; four great-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; one great, great grandchild; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

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