Joseph H. Nowak

Scarborough- Joseph “Joe” Henry Nowak(owski), 92, of Portland, passed away on September 26, 2013 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. He was born on June 30, 1921, in Portland, Maine. He grew up in Portland and graduated from Portland High School in 1939. He served as part of the US Army, 45th division during WWII from 1942-46 in Africa, Italy, Germany, France, and England. When the war ended he stayed in Germany to run a commissary. When he returned home he worked for the US Post Office in special deliveries until his retirement in 1978. He married Kathleen Shannon on April 16, 1947. They were happily married for 60 years They had four children, eight grandchildren and recently a great- grandchild. Together they enjoyed a long retirement traveling and living between their homes in Florida and Long Island, Maine. Joe would do anything for his family and friends, always offering a meal, drink, a good story or a helping hand.

Joe is predeceased by his wife and siblings. He is survived by his daughters: Sue Sesto, her husband Lou and their children Joe, Phil , Amanda, her husband Duke and great granddaughter Sadie Kathleen; daughter Deborah Fuller and her husband Mark, their children Jessica, Annika and her husband Vince, Amy and her husband Chris; son Joe, his wife Peg and their son Adam. He is predeceased by his son David; surviving is David’s daughter Nicole . He was especially proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He loved getting regular phone calls and visits from them.

The family would like to express their gratitude to his caregivers from Home Instead and Hospice of Southern Maine which allowed him to stay independent in his home over the past year, with special thanks to Linda, Crystal, Esther , Anne and Kim who always went above and beyond.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis Church later this month. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland.

Donations in his memory may be made to:

The Long Island Community Center, PO box 263, Long island, ME 04050

Or the Hospice of Southern Maine/Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 180 US Rte One#1., Scarborough, ME 04074