Joel E. Nevers

Joel Nevers, 80, of Biddeford, passed away on August 9, 2026.

Born on January 17, 1946, to Mary Jo and Ollie Nevers, Joel grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the Calumet Region. He moved to Maine in 1978 and made his home there for the remainder of his life.

Joel was a veteran of the United States Navy. He served in the Amphibious Navy during the Vietnam War, including in Da Nang and Hue during the Tet Offensive of 1967-68.

Over the course of his diverse working life, Joel was very proud of his skilled precision welding in the defense industry, as well as the private glassart company that he owned and operated in Kennebunkport under the name of Cat’s Paw Glassart. Later in life he returned to school, earning a BSW and MSW in clinical social work, graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Southern Maine. He worked for several mental health agencies and hospitals before establishing a private clinical practice in Kennebunk. Helping others became an important part of his life's work.

Joel was a longtime member of the recovery community, where he valued the wisdom, friendship, and support of many people over the years.

He was predeceased by his brother, Gregory Nevers; and by his first wife, Susan Herman.

Joel is survived by his wife, Linda Brown of 21 years; by his three children, Patrick Nevers and wife Maureen of Randolph, VT, David Nevers of Parsonsfield, ME, and Elizabeth Poloncak and husband Jeffrey of Rancho Santa Margarita; by his sister, Andrea (Andi) Eddington; as well as by six nephews, three nieces and many extended family members and dear friends.

Joel lived a full and varied life marked by perseverance, creativity, service, personal growth, friendship, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Information about services will be announced by the family.