Joseph E. Desrochers Jr.

Old Orchard Beach

Joseph Edward Desrochers Jr., age 77, passed away on Friday, June 20th in Portsmouth, NH succumbing to injuries sustained in a car accident.

Joseph "Joe" was born in Biddeford, ME on February 12, 1948, a son of Joseph Sr. and Jean Desrochers of Saco, ME.

Joe was a graduate of Thornton Academy and was an excellent athlete participating in both football and track and was known for his speed.

As a young adult Joe was married, worked as a meat cutter at Jordan's Meats and Shaw's Supermarkets, and then construction with his brother-in-law Sonny Cote. Joe suffered a tremendous head injury at the age of 27 falling from a 3-story building while roofing. In a coma and not expected to live, Joe was read his last rites. Miraculously, Joe came out of his coma and the long road to recovery began. While no one can recover completely from an injury of this magnitude, and its many hardships, Joe's survival story is one of grit and determination. Joe worked his way back to independence, finished building his family home, and despite many health struggles continued to live independently in his home until his passing.

Joe has two children Tyson and Chad, and two grandchildren Ava and Jack who brought particular joy to him as you would see his face light up when they were around.

Joe enjoyed the holidays and special occasions with family and friends. In his youth he enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking and camping. He had a passion for woodworking, keeping up his home, and had a natural talent for building things. He also liked to go for drives and have coffee or lunch at various local establishments. Joe was famous for his "pop in" visits to family and friends to say hello.

Joe was predeceased by his mother and father Jean and Joe Desrochers Sr. and infant daughter Julie.

Joe is survived by his sons Tyson Desrochers (and Erica Jesseman), Chad Desrochers (and Catherine Desrochers) and their mother Rhonda Desrochers; grandchildren Ava and Jack Desrochers; sister Bonnie Cote, nephew Erik Cote and niece Emily Ring and their families as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A graveside service will be held for family and close friends at Laurel Hill Cemetery on August 2nd at 11AM. A gathering will follow with details to be announced at a later date.

Those wishing to honor Joe's memory are invited to donate to the Brain Injury Association of America

To view Joe's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com