Joseph Lounsbury

Joe’s life journey began January 22, 1928, in an orphanage in Syracuse, NY. A self-made man, he was on his own from age 14, working for the Syracuse Herald Journal, Syracuse Letter Company, Smith Corona Typewriters, Bentley’s Furniture, Porter Cable Company and Western Electric while he set his sights on New York Telephone Company. He returned to the employment office week after week until they offered him a job, and he stayed with the company for 35 years until his retirement.

Joe met the love of his life while working at New York Telephone Company, was married on February 13, 1960, to Jean Leona Macfadden. They raised a family of three children in Marcellus, NY, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage, before Jean’s death on May 6, 2021. Their partnership of love and support instilled a strong sense of family and an instinct of giving back to neighbors and community. “Helpful Joe” was always ready to lift a shovel, a hammer, or a paint brush. He loved to tinker around the yard, the car, and the swimming pool. In Florida, he was often found out on a walk about the neighborhood or riding his bike. As a gentle kidder, his smile and laughter were infectious. He made an impression on everyone that met him, and no matter where the family travelled, there would inevitably be a “Hi Joe!”.

Joe was a 32 Degree Mason in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, he devoted decades to the Tigris Shrine, playing with and leading the Oriental Band, and serving as potentate in 1990. It was his great fun to ride an elephant in the Tigris Shrine Circus in the Syracuse War Memorial. The Tigris Shrine Oriental Band played countless parades around New York State, as well as competing across the country. Their efforts raised funds in support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. He tried to serve his country but was denied enlistment after a long recovery from second degree burns received from a gas station accident.

Joe & Jean cherished time with family, travels with various Tigris Shrine events, performing with Marcellus Chorale, competing in golf, bowling and shuffleboard, family beach time in Topsail, NC, and their retirement years with Marcellian friends in Jensen Beach, FL.

Survivors include his son, Stephen (Cathy) Lounsbury of Lincolnton, NC; daughter, Therese (Mary) Lounsbury of Wilmington, VT; daughter, Judith (Scott) Moore of Davidson, NC; grandchildren: Ryan (Melanie) Moore, Amanda (Brett) Costner, Colleen Lounsbury, Patrick Lounsbury, James (Tori) Wakulsky, and Olivia Genella. He was lucky enough to meet his great granddaughter Everly Costner. Joseph is also survived by sisters-in-law Joan Butler of Holly Ridge, NC, and Sue Macfadden of Jensen Beach, FL; brother-in-law Robert Macfadden of Delray Beach, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

No services have been planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenderitachapel.com for the Lounsbury family.