Submit a PhotoJoseph Charles Masseur, 70, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 on a quiet morning in his home surrounded by family.
From Rhode Island, he was the youngest son of the late Armand and Margaret (Gumbley) Masseur. Joe was the beloved husband of Nancy Joan Masseur; he is survived by his children – Joseph C. Masseur, Jr., Lauren E. Masseur, Andrew C. Masseur (Allison), and Robert C. Masseur, Victor M. Rodas IV (Ginger), Vanessa V. Miller (Scott), and Peter L. Notman; his 17 grandchildren – Layne (Ryan Middleton), Armand, Gabrielle, Riley, Josephina, Madeleine, Natalie, Orion, Levi, Sofia, Marley, Sam, Starlyn, Audrey, Virginia, Ethan and Emma; and his great-grandchildren – William, Oliver, and Isabel. He was preceded in death by his respected elder brother, Donald J. Masseur and sister-in-law, Elizabeth A. Masseur.
Born October 19, 1952, Joe was the apple of his mother’s eye. He served dutifully as an altar boy at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church, but preferred the baseball or football field over the pew. He inherited his strong work ethic from both parents and his sense of mischief straight from his father. Joe was a big jokester and pulled many a prank on friends and family, much to their chagrin.
Joe attended Bishop Hendricken High School and graduated from Pilgrim High School in 1971. Shortly thereafter, he married Paula Mae Stetson and had four children, raising them in the same neighborhood where he grew up in Warwick. He began his career in plumbing as an apprentice and quickly established his own service business.
Big Joe moved to Arizona in 1983 at age 31 and spent the next 40 years of his life in this desert that he loved to call home. He met Nancy Joan in 1985 and finally convinced her to marry him 13 years later. They tied the knot on February 14, 1998. For these nearly 40 years together, Nancy has been Joe’s partner in all things – nurturing their business and our family and caring for one another through all that life brings.
Joe will be remembered for the many lives he touched, personally and professionally. Those who know him from Masseur Plumbing and Above All Plumbing will remember him the same as his friends and family do, because he cared deeply for his work family. He was generous, principled, hard-working, and earned a reputation for taking care of people.
He enjoyed busting chops, a smooth cigar, working in his woodshop, swinging a club, watching his grandchildren grow, and a long drive with Nancy. In his final weeks, he shared his love and gratitude for us all and reminded us of the importance of family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Big Joe’s honor to H.A.R.T – Homeless Animals Rescue team, Donate .
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Much love from “all the cousins”
Though we lost touch over the years
Always remembered growing up together
And always thought of the Masseur’s as my
Second family
Manny happy memories will sustain us all
My heart aches for your loss. May the peace of our Merciful Lord cover you during this difficult time.
I will never forget always being excited to see Uncle Joe and hear his big welcoming “Danny” whenever I came around. He was always the most fun and warm hearted person in the room. I loved the smell of his cigars and ringing of his laughter during Christmas Eve, visiting the Masseur Plumbing office, or watching a Mike Tyson fight as a kid. His laughter and the way he busted peoples chops was always incredibly endearing.
Love you, Uncle Joe – probably more than you ever knew. Thank you for always treating us like one of your own children.
Love you, Aunt Nancy, Paula, and all of our cousins. We’re praying for all of you and we’re always here. I know we live a bit far away now, but I hope we see more of each other in the coming years.
Grew up on Greylawn Ave. Joey was the best my big brother Ed’s best buddy. Very sorry for your loss he was a wonderful guy from such a beautiful family. May he rest easy it must give everyone peace knowing his parents and brother Donnie are there to welcome him. Love, Patricia Langon Schneider xo
My heartfelt sympathies to all of the Masseurs.
We have been together for pretty much 70 years. You were not just a cousin you were like a 4th brother when growing up. We did so much together, Baseball, Bishops field, Indian Desert, Rocky Point. Getting our S.S. cards together. Getting into trouble, etc. etc etc. We had a great childhood living in a hood with all our aunts, uncles, & cousins. I will cherish you as a cousin, a brother, a friend. Love & will miss you Joe.
Oh my, Joe where to start! My sister Nancy brought the best man into the family, we are all so blessed to have known such a wonderful man, giving, loving and just a humble man. You are the best Joe, Thank you Nancy, for bringing Joe into the family, as he was the best brother in law, and Uncle we could have asked for.
Nancy, I believe one day you will be with Joe and you will have a nice rest and calm.. I will always think simultaneously of Joe anytime I talk to you Nancy, your like PB&J , or good and plenty, you cant have the pink ones without white.
Love you lots Joe and will miss you Joe.
Nancy lots of love, I’m so sorry for your loss,
and your family have lost such a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather , Uncle and cousin. Your all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lois Gail
Joe was part of my childhood and growing up in a tight knit neighborhood, we went to the same schools, St Kevin’s, Pilgrim High. His Mom was my GodMother. He was kind and a funny guy. You are with the rest of your Family now, rest in Peace Joey! I will always think of You and smile!
My deepest condolences. He was a fine man. Glad that I got to know him.
I knew Joe very well in the 80’s, then I moved away and lost track, but always appreciated the opportunity to work together. You will be missed my old friend.
My Best regards,
Dave Hearley
Sending you all so much love. Nancy, Paula, Joey, Lauren, Andy, Bobby, Vic, & Ness, and all the kids who are now so grown up. Joe embody a spirit we can only hope to imitate, caring, kind, generous, fun loving. Such a nice man, always made me feel welcomed, never treated me as any less than family. Such beautiful memories, such a beautiful family, hold on to one another. Sending you love and prayers.
Condolences to the Masseur family. Very sorry for your loss. May Joe Rest in Peace.
Heartfelt Condolences Joe will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was married to my cousin Paula. I hadn’t seen him in a long time but when I was younger I used to hang out with both of them. Prayers for the family. 💔
Nancy,
So very sorry for your loss. Joe certainly was one of the good guys.
Joe – I was here… of course I was sitting at the “adopted table” but just know, that I was here. And now, I’ll be seeing you at ALL the tables. xoxo