Joseph T. ("Joe") Ryan

Joseph Ryan of Groveland, Massachusetts, sadly died peacefully in his own home on June 1, 2025, at the age of 93 while sitting in his recliner, listening to his country music. Joe was adamant that he was going to live till 104. One day I finally asked him why 104?  He said it just sounded like a good number — and he wanted to get the Golden Cane that was given to the oldest resident living in Groveland.    His sense of humor will be missed by many.  Joe put up an amazing fight to reach his goal of 104 after surviving heart attack, bladder cancer,  kidney failure, but it was Joe’s time. 

Joe spent his childhood growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and attended school only until the sixth grade when he then had to leave school in order to go to work to help support his family. Joe grew up in very different times and could be relied on to do what needed to be done.

Even though Joe had to cut his education early, he had a successful 40 year career in the International Union of Operating Engineers, IUOE, Local  4, as a Master Mechanic/Engineer. Joe very proudly  talked about probably the biggest job of his life in the participation of building Route 95. 

It was during this time that Joe met Rose Ryan while he was working near Georgetown; they married, and Joe settled to live the rest of his life in his beloved town of Groveland. 

He was quite active in all aspects of town government trying to protect and preserve the livelihood and character of the town. Joe was quite well known in the town for his lively and vocal opinions. 

After retiring Joe enjoyed riding his ATV on and around his property, hunting, spending time in his garage repairing all sorts of equipment and enjoying his friends. 

Joe is predeceased by his mother, father and all of his siblings. Also, his beloved wife, Rose, passed away on March 17, 2023, and stepdaughter, Cheryl DesRoche, who died at the age of 25 on September 4, 1986, after being involved in an auto accident with a drunk driver. Sadly, Cheryl’s death affected Rose and Joe’s life in many ways, but they carried on together and supported each other through the years. 

Joe also leaves his two daughters, Lisa Burke and Joann Gouveia; goddaughter, Brandy McTaggart, as well as four sons:  Joe,Jr., Russell, Robert, Steven, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside services for Joe being held on Saturday, June 14, 12 PM, at Harmony Cemetery, 92 Central Street, Georgetown, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, at https://madd.org. 

For those wishing to share memories of Joe with his family, please visit www.cgfuneralhomegeorgetown.com

The Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown has been entrusted with Joe's care.

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