Joseph "Joe" Raymond MacLean

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our son, father, brother, Poppy Joe,  loving partner, uncle and friend Joseph Raymond MacLean, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 69 after a very short, but courageous battle with cancer.

Joe, or to everyone who knew him “JoJo”, was born October 23, 1954, at home to Agnes (Jessome) and the late Russell MacLean.  Joe was loved and well known by many, working numerous jobs over the years from sailor to sharp dressed salesman and back again, but his favorite role was being a dad to Joey. He had a love for playing guitar and singing music, which led him and his friends to start a band “The Cobra’s”. He continued to play and sing for us at many gatherings and parties over the years from North Sydney, to New Waterford with Terry and their friends. Joe also loved going to the horse races at Tartan Downs and Inverness Raceway and would be on the edge of his seat waiting for that 3-1-4 trifecta to come in. If it did, it was A&K for supper, if not, baloney sandwiches all around! Like his father and brothers, JoJo tinkered with cars and could fix just about anything except that darn lawn tractor! Don’t worry Joe, we will make sure we get it going.

After his retirement in 2019 from Marine Atlantic, Joe was able to spend more time with his pride & joy, Joey, Crystal and his grandchildren Oliver and Remi Jo, whom he treasured.  He recently realized he had a talent for painting, and created many “masterpieces” that will remain proudly displayed. Joe’s final, but most valuable role was caring for his parents Russell and Aggie as they got older; and, after Russell passed away, stepping up to ensure his mother was well taken care of, happy and loved. We will forever cherish his dedication and selflessness.

Besides his mother Agnes, he is survived by his only son, Joey (Crystal), grandchildren Oliver and Remi Jo, loving partner Terry Quigley, her sons David and Willie (Sam), poppy’s boys Liam and Logan; sisters and brothers, Ann Long, Mary (Wayne) Beddow, Jude (Penny), Patrice (Lorne) Cantwell, Nancy (David) Cholock, Tracey, Sean (Melissa) and sister-in-law Judy MacLean, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Joe will be fondly remembered by his newfie boat buddy, Calvin Tapp and his wife Susan, who went on a great many adventures with Joe and Terry over the years. He will also be missed by his furry friend Puss Puss.

Joe was predeceased by his father Russell Sr., his brother Russell Jr., grandparents, Mary & Norman MacLean and Irene & Gordon Jessome; his niece Charmaine Cantwell, brother-in-law Stan Long and Terry’s son, Gordie Quigley.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and sitters on 4-West at the Northside General Hospital. Your care and compassion for Joe and our family will never be forgotten.

There will be no visitation by request.  A funeral mass for Joe will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tom Mac Neil Cancer Patient Care Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.wjdooley.com. 

“Rest easy Joe, your work here is now complete. Go play and sing for the angels.”

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