WATERVILLE – George “Tony” Joseph of Waterville passed away on Feb. 25, 2021, at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta. Tony was born on Feb. 1, 1932, the youngest son of David and Tamamie (Karem) Joseph. He was one of 22 siblings.

Tony was raised at the Head of Falls and Front Street. He graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1950. He was active in sports excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. Tony was a proud participant on the 1949 State Champion basketball team. He also was vice president of the class of 1950.

Tony joined the Air Force shortly after graduation from high school. Upon his return from serving time in the Korean War he attended and graduated from Thomas College on a GI bill with an associate degree in 1957. While in the Air Force he received many honors, the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After graduating from Thomas, he worked at Josephs Billiard Academy, he opened Tony’s Italians on the rotary, and then enjoyed a career at the post office. Tony was active socially, he was a member of the Elks Club, American Legion, and the Lebanon Youth Society. Tony loved the family camp on China Lake, there are so many memories from family reunions, weddings, christenings, and class reunions. Anything to do with family usually started at China. Tony was the “draw” and had so many stories to tell.

Tony was an avid sports fan. He followed his children’s and grandchildren’s, always supporting and cheering them on. He also followed and loved the New York Yankees and Notre Dame. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. He was drawn to the water and enjoyed trips to the coast.

Tony was predeceased by his brothers, Joe Dave, Elias, James, Alfred, Naseeb, John and Phillip; brother-in-law, Douglas Day; sisters, Lena Fotter, Julia Campion, Selma Thompson, Celia John, Madeline Joseph, and Marianne Perry.

Tony is lovingly survived by his wife, Joyce (Day) to whom he was married to just one month shy of 69 years. His devoted children are Ricky and his wife Cindy of Decatur, Ill. and their daughters, Caitlin Pellitier and husband Zach of Sierra Vista, Ariz. and Antonia Joseph of Boise, Idaho; daughter, Lisa Joseph of Maine; son, Kevin Joseph of Waterville, and son Tyler Joseph of Portland, and Kayla Joseph of St. Thomas, USVI; sister, Josie Laflay of Virginia; sister-in-law, Lolita Day; Finally many man nieces, nephews, and friends.

Thank you to Dr. William Ervin and Dr. Thomas Ryan. Thank you to the staff at DCI, you all were so special to our whole family. Also, to the staff at CCU at the Alfond Center for Health, you made Tony’s journey so peaceful.

We thank all of you.

A memorial mass and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com/.

Tony was proud of his lifelong church. He was schooled there until he moved to junior high. He was the son of parents who were part of the building of the church and lifelong communicant.

Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s

Maronite Church

3 Appleton St.

Waterville, ME 04901

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