June 25, 1945 – June 16, 2025
Portland- Joseph Dimitri Sukaskas, 79, affectionately known as Joe, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Portland, Maine, just days before his 80th birthday. He was born on June 25, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York.
Joe proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Nuclear Engineer and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from New York University. His career included valuable work with the Maine Public Utilities Commission, where his knowledge and dedication made a lasting impact.
In 1982, Joe married the love of his life, Gayle Briggs of Brewer, Maine. Their deep bond and unwavering devotion to each other were admired by all who knew them. Together, they built a life full of adventure, laughter, and shared passions.
Joe had a lifelong love for the arts, particularly New York Off-Broadway theatre, where he enjoyed working as a lighting engineer. His hobbies reflected his wide-ranging interests and love for life—he was an avid rower, hiker, cook, and percussionist. Joe and Gayle found joy in exploring the Maine outdoors and spent countless cherished summers volunteering as caretakers for a remote island off the coast of Maine, relishing its serenity and natural beauty. He also held a deep affection for Acadia National Park.
Joe was a man of quiet strength and generous spirit. His dry, quick wit and sense of humor brought warmth and laughter to everyone around him. He was always ready to lend a hand, offering his time, talent, and wisdom to friends, family, and community causes—especially environmental conservation, a cause close to his heart.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Lillian Sukaskas, and will be reunited in peace with his beloved cat companions, Dimity Ann and Misha.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate, Gayle Briggs of Falmouth, Maine. The family extends heartfelt thanks to his brother-in-law, Bryan Briggs of Falmouth, for his supportive care over the past year, and to the compassionate team at The Osher Inn at The Cedars in Portland.
He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law: Pam Briggs of Hampden, Deborah Walls of Falmouth, and Tammy Briggs of Brewer. Joe was a proud godparent to Cameron Rockwood of Montreal, Canada, and his wife Brittany. Though he was an only child, Joe was blessed with many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and a great-nephew.
Joe’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His generosity, humor, and unwavering kindness have left a legacy that continues to inspire. We are all better for having had him in our lives.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a future date. Please check www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for updates and to sign Joe’s online guestbook.
In honor of Joe’s life, memorial gifts may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York, NY 10018, Friends of Casco Bay, Friends of Acadia or Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
