Joseph Eugene Tetreault

The youngest of fifteen children, he learned the importance of both sharing and cooperation early. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Pawtucket, RI.

With his siblings he was simply known as “Gene.” Cooking, gardening, building or fixing what was needed came quickly and easily to him. These skills would serve him and his community throughout his life.

Tetreault left high school school to be a carpenter’s apprentice. He also worked as an engraver and a jeweler. These skills allowed him to utilize his talent for penmanship. His school award for penmanship was a prized childhood achievement which he followed by attending the Rhode Island School of Design.

When he was drafted by the Army as a combat engineer in April 1943. He was proud to serve in Europe. It was in the service he was called, “Joe.” He went from a private, to a machine operator tech and a sharpshooter. Although he severely injured his back, he returned to the front as a construction foreman and Sergeant until his discharge in March 1946.

A month later he married Emily Corey in April 1946, in Rhode Island. They built their first home and had two daughters: Simone, followed by Melinda. He worked hard to support his family as well as his community.

In 1955, Joe, Emily & their daughters moved to central Florida. After working a few odd jobs, he joined the Winter Park Fire Department. He served in various positions in the WPFD for over 25 years.

Joe & Emily moved to Eustis in 1980. After Joe retired from the Fire department in 1982, he remained active in various community & civic organizations. He was also glad to help his neighbors whenever & wherever he could.

He became an ADDitions volunteer for the Physically Impaired program at Lake Silver Elementary school in 1985. There he was known as “Papa Joe.” He helped to build playgrounds and make them accessible to all kids. He fixed tables, chairs, bookstands, shelves and brackets galore.

Papa Joe believed in the potential and of individuals. He believed in the power of community and taught us all to give our best where we could, especially if there was a need. He knew things, did not need to look pretty or perfect to be important. This was true of people too.

He left formal volunteering in 1992 but continued to help with the healthcare needs of family members. This gave him an outlet for his love of cooking for large groups, something he practices growing up and in the fire department. He was always looking for ways to share large portions of the food he cooked, new recipes to try, various vegetables to grow in his garden, and to share conversations and laughter. He was a Catholic at heart. His wife Emily, died in 1993.

Joe married Ann Daugherty in September 2001. They were involved in several community and church organizations. Together they enjoyed many camping and sight-seeing trips. Joe fulfilled a lifelong dream when he and Ann took an Alaskan cruise with family members.

Papa Joe remained physically active well into his 90s. When driving was no longer viable, his porch became the gathering place. Neighborhood “Happy Hours” were frequent

He loved his garden. He never stopped looking for projects to build, fix or adjust. The quest for the next recipe, or restaurant was constant. There were always dishes to wash while yelling at squirrels who annoyed the birds he loved to watch.

Papa would always find laundry to be done, parts to collect, things to paint, jokes to play, laughter, ideas to build and plans to make.

Papa Joe will be deeply missed by his wife Ann, his two children, Simone & Melinda, three grandchildren Emily, Joe (Leslie) & John, and two great-grandchildren Callen & Colston.

We strive to carry what he taught & shared with us forward and build on it.