Joseph Guerin, 61, of Edgartown, husband of Katy (Kleine) Guerin, died from carcinoid cancer on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at his Edgartown home with his family beside him.
Joe was born on Feb. 19, 1957, in Hempstead, N.Y., the son of William F. Guerin and Helen M. (Christensen) Guerin. He grew up in a large, loving family with six sisters and two brothers, often moving around the country following his father’s career as an engineer during “the race for space.” After high school, Joe moved to Philadelphia and went to work as a plumber while attending technical school at night.
Joe married Katy Kleine on July 28, 1979. A year later they relocated to Martha’s Vineyard, where Joe went to work for Lauress Fisher at Edgartown Hardware as a journeyman plumber, and they began raising a family. During the early ’80s, Joe volunteered for the Edgartown Fire Department, as well as becoming a volunteer EMT. In 1988, he started up Guerin Plumbing and Heating, which he operated with passion until shortly before his death.
Joe loved the outdoors, and over the years spent much of his free time on or in the waters around the Vineyard. He enjoyed boating, fishing, running, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Most important to Joe was his family; he was an utterly devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his wife dearly, and was endlessly proud of his three daughters. In his final years, Joe saw two of his daughters marry, and welcomed five grandchildren and one grandpup to the family. Nothing made him happier than spending time with the ones he loved. He spent countless hours teaching his children and grandchildren about tools, how to fish, and the importance of doing something right the first time.
He is survived by his wife Katy of 39 years; three daughters, Morgan Olson of Boston, Lark Bakkensen of Darien, Conn., and Hannah Guerin of Brooklyn, N.Y. He will be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren, Carter, Rowen, and Bowdoin Olson, and Hopper and Willa Bakkensen; and his eight siblings, Joan Guerin, Bill Guerin (Molly), Lauretta Guerin (David), Monica Mansour, Tom Guerin (Patricia), Mary Guerin-Coursen (Scott), Elizabeth Beatty (Michael), and Jennifer Overmoyer (Richard); 18 nephews and nieces; and other relatives.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, to be announced. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, 800-227-2345, or cancer.org.
