Joseph Voisine

Joey was born in Portland, ME, on November 17, 1977 to Emile J. And Eleanor E. Voisine.

He graduated from South Portland High School and had the same group of incredible friends from Small School until his passing. They played basketball all through their school years starting at the South Portland Boys and Girls Club. Dennis taught them all their skills and how to be gracious on the courts. I don’t think he taught them all the smack talk though. They excelled at that.

Joey excelled at coaching and mentoring kids from 6th grade all the way through high school.

He and his friend Jake coached many winning teams throughout the years. Many of those years winning multiple local high school recreational championships as well as several years of undefeated regional high school tournaments.

He was also a successful and proud Blue Wave coach.

If you asked anyone about Coach Joe this is what they had to say:

“He would take any kid who wanted to play. It didn’t matter what their ability level was. He showed them how to believe in themselves and to know they could do as well as anyone, and they did”

“He gave kids who most of the time would be overlooked a place to feel safe and be included. He built them up to be their best self on and off the court.”

“Joe was able to take the valuable lessons he learned from slim and Dennis and project them on the kids he coached. Know yourself, believe in yourself and never give up because on the court you can be great.”

“I am not sure you ever realized the impact you had on so many kids! Rest easy coach Joe!”

“Ignore what’s outside and focus on the now. Focus on this game and stomp on their necks. If you miss a foul shot I want 5 down and backs at the end of the game. You kept me centered on what mattered-the game in front of me.

You didn’t like show offs and you hated bragging. You wanted everyone to respect the game and respect their teammates, on and off the court.”

Joey learned a lot from Slim and Dennis from the SPBGC along the many years he was there. He was probably their youngest member. He tagged along with his uncle Peter Darling as soon as Slim would let him.

Other descriptions of Joe, Gentle Giant, Big Teddy Bear and a kind heart of gold.

He always had a smile and a joke.

He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

We know he is at peace with his father and mother. Joey also had a very close bond with his maternal grandparents Elmer and Elgee Darling and his beloved uncle Peter Darling. He was welcomed home by so many who loved him dearly.

Surviving are his sister and brother-in-law Jodi and Dana Peterson. His nephews Christoper, Michael and Dana”DJ” Peterson. His great nephew Joseph and great nieces Kinsley and Everleigh Peterson.

Joey had the most incredible “brothers” in Jim Mattson, Scott Connolly, Scott Martin and Jake Myrick. The Myrick family took Joe in as their own in his last years.

His uncles Rodney, Al and Paul Voisine.

His aunt Arlene Casey and uncles James and David Darling.

He leaves behind many cousins as well.

Arrangements were made by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services.

A celebration of life with be at Buck’s Naked BBQ - 568 US Rte. 1 Freeport, ME on a later date.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the South Portland Boys and Girls Club.