Joseph O. LaCourse Jr.

Biddeford

Joseph O. LaCourse Jr., 91, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away late in the evening on Friday, December 15, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Joseph was born in Biddeford on November 11, 1932, the only child of Joseph LaCourse, Sr. and Oriane (Labbe) LaCourse.  He was educated in Biddeford schools and graduated from St. Louis High School, class of 1952.

Eager to see the world and serve our country, Joseph joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Just prior to his deployment he met the love of his life, Constance "Connie" Garneau.  Throughout Joseph's duty overseas the courtship between them blossomed with love letters.  Upon his return to the United States, they were engaged and were married on November 12, 1955 at Saint Joseph's Church.

The young couple began their lives together in Biddeford where they raised their three wonderful children, Marc, Michael and Diane.  Joseph worked for book printing companies his whole life, beginning as a printer, and later becoming the production manager for the J. Weston Walch Publishing company.  After his retirement in 1997 Joseph continued to work part-time, assisting with funerals at Hope Memorial Chapel for nearly 20 years.

Outside of his work life Joseph belonged to a number of organizations and generously gave of his time to the community.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, he and his wife Connie were very involved with the Cursillo retreats for many years, he was past president of St. Joseph Parish Council, and he was one of the founding members and on the original board of directors for La Kermesse.  For hobbies, Joseph enjoyed woodworking and building both plastic and metal models.  He looked forward to fall each year so he could watch his beloved New England Patriots. He also loved the Christmas season, especially gatherings with his family during this special time of year.  He will be sadly missed by many.

He was predeceased by his wife Constance LaCourse on August 11, 2019.

Joseph is survived by his three children, Marc LaCourse and partner Maureen Redmond of Biddeford, Michael LaCourse and wife Wendy Anders of Biddeford, and Diane LaCourse and partner Brian Gilbert of North Yarmouth; by seven grandchildren, Mellisa Luedke and husband Jeff, Kristy Peatman and husband Chad, Crystal LaCourse and partner Chris Henderson, Michael LaCourse Jr. and partner Ashley Wales, Danielle Noonan, Joseph Anders, and Angie Anders; by twelve great-grandchildren, Collin, Macy, Payson, Carter, Carley, Hadley, Destiny, Cadin, Leighanna, Cali, Natalia, and Aliviana; as well as by several cousins.

Visiting hours will be from 4-7PM on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James Street, Saco.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day at 11am on Friday, December 22, 2023 at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford.