Joseph Allan Shuksteris

Joseph Allan Shuksteris, age 76, passed away August 5, 2023 after a sudden and brief illness. He was born on October 19, 1946 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Allan and Alberta (Fournier) Shuksteris. He met the love of his life, Maria Del Carmen Vega-Rodriguez while serving in the U.S. Navy in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and they wed in June of 1969. Together they have shared 54 years of loving marriage.

Joseph was a lifelong resident of Lynn, MA, a student of Lynn Public Elementary Schools, and a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. Joseph graduated from North Shore Community College before starting his career of 33 years with the U.S. Postal Service. He was an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Lynn Knights of Columbus, Valladolid Council #70.

Joseph was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, and trusted friend. He especially loved his role as Papa. He had an outgoing personality and loved talking with people and telling jokes. He was a magic aficionado and served as the International Publicity Chairman for the Society of American Magicians in Salem for many years. Joseph loved history, reading, collecting, researching his ancestry, and watching old movies. He also loved to draw cartoons, and had aspired to write and publish a book someday. He was an avid New England sports fan, and loved watching the Red Sox games on TV together with his wife. Joseph is remembered by his friends and family for his sense of humor, his loyalty, and his kindness. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

In addition to his beloved wife Maria (“Maqui”), Joseph is survived by his two children; daughter Maria and husband Greg Deforge of Saugus, MA, and son Joseph Shuksteris II of Durango, CO; grandsons Dylan and Liam Deforge, and grand-dog Blue; sisters Marilyn Doane of Nokomis, FL, and Linda Shuksteris of Topsfield, MA; sister-in-law Ivy Cerda of Fayetteville, NC; best friend Kevin Eramian of Danvers, MA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, and his sister Patricia Coombs.

Joseph will be remembered in a private service for family and friends, followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Lynn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org).