Joseph Houle

OXFORD / CHARLTON – Joseph F. Houle, 87, formerly of Orchard Hill Drive, Oxford, died Thursday, October 25, 2007, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – Memorial Campus, Worcester. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Leah M.L. (Fournier) Houle of Auburn; three sons, Raymond F. Houle of Worcester, David J. Houle of Worcester, and Robert M. Houle of Fiskdale; two daughters, Margaret A. Urevich of Sturbridge and Susan M. Gretschel of Auburn; fifteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two daughters, Annette L. Houle of Florida who died in 2004, and Mary Houle who died in 1942; three brothers and five sisters. He was born in Berlin, NH, the son of the late Joseph and Sarah (Pinette) Houle, and lived in the Worcester County area before moving to Oxford in 1976. Mr. Houle was joint owner of Brandon Road Market in Dudley for 14 years. Previously, he worked at Astra Pharmaceutical Products in Framingham for 13 years, Krompton and Knowles in Worcester for 5 years, and General Electric in Pittsfield for 6 years. He was a member of the Oxford Senior Center and was an inventor, holding a U.S. Patent. He enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage, and loved hunting, playing checkers, and especially spending time with his friends and family. He loved making people laugh with his storytelling, and was a friend of Bill W. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2007, at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial calling hours are Sunday, October 28, 2007, from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf, 465 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.