Joseph M. Fine

Chicopee, MA - Joseph Mark Fine was born in Hartford, Conn. to parents Joseph and Alice (Winsky) Fine. He lived in Connecticut and Georgia before settling in Northampton, Mass., where he attended Vernon Street, Hawley, and NHS.

In 1973, Joe married Ann Thomas and moved to the Springfield area, where they raised three children. He attended STCC and worked for several employers, including AMR, where he drove wheelchair vans and ambulances. Clients praised his friendly manner and genuine care.

He also served his country for 12 years as a member of the National Guard, making some lifelong friends.

Joe loved music and was a big fan of area bands. Some of his happiest times were attending musical performances, large and small. Rarely a performer himself, he did play drums, harmonica and guitar, all with skill and sensitivity.

Open, kind, generous, and loyal, Joe made friends easily. Perhaps the only thing he valued more was family. He was very proud of his children and loved their offspring and extended families as his own.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, ex-wife, and step-father Norman Bouchard. He leaves behind his sister, Kim Fine (John Keppler); children, Ronda Thomas, Mike Fine (Beckey Holmes-Fine), and Mark Fine (Silvia Rebelo Fine); along with grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, and friends.

Services will be at noon on Saturday, November 4 at Greater Springfield Church of Christ, 284 Montgomery St., Chicopee, with burial at a later date at Bridge Street Cemetery in Northampton.

To honor Joe's memory, tell someone you love them. Reach out to an old friend. Forgive a past wrong, or make amends for something you regret. Memorial donations may also be made to Holyoke VNA & Hospice Life Care or Greater Springfield Church of Christ.

And if you are so inclined, listen to "Ripple" from the 1970 Grateful Dead album American Beauty and think of Joe. It was a favorite of his.