Blackstone and formerly Holliston,
Joseph L. Marchand, 66, passed away peacefully April 3, 2012 after a brief illness and now rests in the arms of his Lord. He was born September 5, 1945 in Needham, MA. and was the son of the late Mildred A. Geyer Marchand and Joseph L. Marchand.

Joe spent most of his early life in Holliston and later Medway; where he graduated from Medway High School in 1964. Joe spent over thirty years in the Army Reserve, having enlisted after high school and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his long reserve career, he was called to active duty during the Gulf War and served with distinction at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

He was a graduate of Framingham State University majoring in Economics and was employed as a customer service manager with Digital for many years before retiring due to his disability. He was an avid collector of antique toys and enjoyed hosting family Halloween parties. Joe lived in and owned a home in Upton for many years and for the past four years has resided in Blackstone with his loving friends and caregivers, Dottie and Tim Blakeney. He was active in Blackstone’s annual Veteran’s Parade.

He is survived by his sisters, Betty of Southboro, Denise and her husband Jim of Uxbridge, and a brother Rod and his wife Joan of Upton, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings, Paul, Jane and Deborah.

Services will be private with burial at the convenience of the family and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local American Legion Post or a Veteran’s Organization.