Joseph Jeffrey Kingston

Joseph Jeffrey Kingston, aged 59, died on February 23, 2022 at the South Shore Hospital from a stroke. A lifelong resident of Rockland, Joe graduated as President of his class from the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. He furthered his education at the University of Massachusetts/Boston where he earned a BA in Sociology.

Though Joe faced serious challenges in his life due to a congenital medical condition, arthrogryposis, he wanted to do what he could to help others and did so by working professionally as a counselor for Cerebral Palsy of the South Shore, now known as Tempus United. Joe lived his life with fierce tenacity and determination. He always strove for independence and he achieved it. Life wasn't easy for Joe, but he never complained. He modeled active acceptance and humility which every friend and family member admired. Joe loved his family and particularly enjoyed participating in and hearing about his nephews and nieces exploits and accomplishments.

An extraordinary man in many ways, like working with engineers to devise a van he could drive with his feet, he was also content and proud to be an ordinary New England guy. He was a fervent sports fan and thoroughly enjoyed winters with the Celtics and Bruins, summers with the Red Sox and fall with the Patriots. Easy to please, a Coors Light or an iced tea, a bag of Doritos, a nice rare filet Mignon or Chinese food, and a couple of scratch tickets and he was good to go!

To honor Joe's life, the family gently suggests that you appreciate your beautiful lives, be more generous to those in need, to hesitate before you complain, and extend more kindness wherever you can. Joe will be greatly missed and always loved and remembered by his family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3, at Sullivan Funeral Home, 45 East Water St, Rockland, from 4-7. A celebration for both Joe and his sister Nancy Elizabeth Kingston who died less than a year ago will be held in the spring at a date to be determined.