Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joel Eldridge Obituary
Joel was born May 24, 1947, to parents Muriel Roberts Eldridge and Lloyd Harold Eldridge.
After graduation from Cony High School in 1965, Joel attended business school in Portland. Upon getting his associate's degree, he enlisted in the Navy where he served proudly, including a period of time in Vietnam during the war.
Upon completing his military service, Joel took employment with Edwards Manufacturing in Augusta. His career in the textile industry saw him employed with Cascade Woolen Mills, Miller Industries, Carleton Woolen Factory, Eastland Woolen Mill and eventually Tex Tech Industries. Joel held several supervisory positions with Tex Tech Industries including plant manager in Arizona and managing director of their Bangkok, Thailand facility. Joel retired from Tex Tech in July of 2007 due to health reasons.
Joel was predeceased by both his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 381/2 years, Wanda; son Joel and his wife, Geneva, of Augusta; four grandchildren, Erin Gleason, Dustin Eldridge, Marissa Eldridge and Adrien Tourtelotte; brother Michael Eldridge and his wife, Warrene, of Gardiner; nephews Ryan and Rhett Eldridge; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Joel was a proud member of the American Legion Post No. 2 of Augusta of which he was a past commander. Other offices Joel held in the American Legion included past county commander, past district commander, department historian and the chairman of several committees. Joel was also a member of the 40 and 8.
Joel is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. His last months were cherished by him as he was smothered with love by his grandchildren and immediate family members. He will be greatly missed by all.
Joel appreciated all the kindness and caring and comfort throughout his illness from the staff of the Harold Alfond Cancer Center. And a special thanks to his doctor, Donald Magioncalda who supported him from day one since he arrived in Maine.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to any cancer fund of your choice. They are all great battles.
Visiting hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner where a funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22. Burial with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at the new Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.
All are welcome to attend a gathering following the services at American Legion Post No. 2 Capitol Street Extension, Augusta.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Eldridge
Gloria Castle, Farrington
March 20, 2008
Wanda,,,, So sorry to hear about your loss.
Tricia and Family Buckmore
March 20, 2008
Aunt Wanda, I'm so sorry for your loss, i don't remember much about uncle joel as a child, but what I knew of him as an adult woman he was great, always smiling, and talkative, I liked that best, cause you know i'm a talker to. I bet he's up there talking someones ear off. I could see how very much he loves you. he was one of those rare men who always put you first, they are hard to come by. He will be greatly missed. But I know he's where he needed to be, free of pain, and young again. Watching over you. If you need anything, call me. Even just to talk. i love you Aunt Wanda.
danny hann
March 5, 2008
to my dearest sister inlaw wanda
this has been a diffuclt time for you for the last few years. and only you knew what you had to endure. only you and joe new what you had to deal with. and you both handled things that the best way you both new how.. and you did not give up. i dont know if i could have handled things so well. but i guess i wasent in that situation. some day i may have to go through the same thing. so i will have to be strong as well.
life is a beautifull thing and we never know what is going to happen. if we could only figure it out , it would be great.
but on the other hand i am so happy to have been part of you and joes life for so long. we have had some good times over the years and that is how i am going to look at it.
camping together talking together haveing meals together , laughing and complaining or what ever else. it has been wonderfull. and i would not have changed a thing
. besides joe said he could never get rid of me. and we both laughed.
i have so many things to be happy for. even though i have a great loss in my life. and i know some where in time that we will all be back together.
i know that you will handle things well as time goes on. and it will be diffuclt at times . but remember joe is looking over your sholder to help guide you. he would not want you to sit back and not do anything.
he loved you and needed you to. and you proved that. you were one hell of a team.
joe would want you to live ,love ,and laugh.and to follow your dreams. because he will always be with you
love ya wanda still your brother inlaw danny
Sandy Hann
March 5, 2008
to joel and geneva, and children,i love you all very much and i'm very proud of all of you.joel you have some mighty big shoes to fll,but i can see you have already filled them nicely.you made your dad proud.and my little (g) you are a great daughter
in my eyes.joe was proud of you both.and to my neices and nefews you kids are awesome. you all need to hang on to his memory and remember he was a good teacher of life.you all are what he lived for.one last thing,thank you for taking such good care of my sister. i love all of you. aunt sandy
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
sandy hann
March 5, 2008
To my beautiful sister,
I can't explain the hurt i felt when your wonderful husband and my number one brother inlaw left us to go home.But i know he is in gods grace, and walking with the angels.To many years passed and we were all so far apart but you both came home to your family. I thanked god! I'll always remember the time that your apartment flooded and Joe was trying to catch xmas presents floating across the floor,with me and cesar trapped on the couch. What a man! I love you so much,just remember somewhere in time . Love your little sis' sandy!
Michelle Austin
February 25, 2008
Joel and Geneva, Your father was a good man and will be missed. He was the first neighbor to come over when I moved in next door to welcome me and my new family to the neighborhood. I will always remember stories Geneva and I have shared. I am sorry we missed the funeral. I am sure it was a beautiful service. We wish you all our love and support from our family.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Richards
February 25, 2008
Aunt Wanda, I'm so sorry to hear of uncle joels passing. But, I know with the love of the family you have, you will make it through this. I am honored to have met him. He was very loving and caring, and would've done anything, for anyone! My heart goes out to you now and forever. We will love and miss him. Most importantly we love you, and if there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to call upon us! Love you always
Jeff, Michelle, and Kids
Linda Richards Bob Whitney
February 23, 2008
Wanda, Joel,and Famly...
Joel was the most wonderful Brother-in-Law I could ever ask for. He was always kind, caring, and loving. I think my fondest memory would have to be the night I sat with him while you were in labor. Actually I sat, he paced back and forth saying "Why is it taking so long?" When the nurse finally came out and said "You have a beautiful, healthy baby boy, and your wife is doing wonderful." I watched the worried and anxious look on his face change to one of joy and happiness. He was no longer pacing, he was walking on air!!!
That moment has always stayed in my mind and heart.
Joel, I love you and will miss you more than you will know.
With you in our hearts and minds,
WE CAN DO THIS.
Love, your sister Linda
Wanda, I only knew Joel for a short time, but he made me feel as though I had known him forever. The love he lavished on you and the rest of his family is something I will always remember. I will miss him greatly.
Love, Bob
Robert Ellis
February 22, 2008
Joel and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Best wishes from all of us.
Robert Ellis and family.
Joan True
February 22, 2008
Wanda -
I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing and pleased to have been able to visit with you, Joe, and your family recently. You folks were our first friends here and were so welcoming to us. My warm thoughts are with you.
Joni
Helen Poulin
February 21, 2008
Wanda and little Joel,I just want you too know Gerry and I are here of you need us, its going to be hard for a long time always remember joe is your angel looking out for you all the time. Love you guys Helen
Lorrie Ripley
February 21, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. A long time ago now...you all welcomed me into your family...and I always called him Dad. He was a great man in so many ways and I was saddened to see the notice. I remember those times fondly when we would all pack up and head for the nearest beach to swim, coook out, and laugh. Dad would join us later and always added to the fun. He will be missed by many. Thinking of you-
Lorrie
Cindy (Albert) Austin
February 21, 2008
Wanda & Joel & Family:
Our thoughts are with you ! I know that we have lost touch for several years but you were a big part of our lives. I remember that I used to just about live at your house in the summers and on weekends. You always treated me like I was part of your family. If I did something wrong I would get in trouble from Joe & Wanda just like Joel did. You are wonderful people, if there is anything that we can do please contact us.
Take care,
Cindy & Travis Austin & Boys
Dawn Holt
February 21, 2008
Dawn and Family.......Sorry for the loss......I will miss him deaply.....I love you
Lois Worcester
February 21, 2008
Wanda and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times.Joel's smile and laughter always picked you up and see the bright side always.
Lois Worcester & Charlie Foss
Ken Plourde, Adjutant, Post 2
February 21, 2008
Post 2 Family wishes to send our deepest sympathies
Tom & Kathleen Cassidy and family
February 20, 2008
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family
Linda Goodblood
February 20, 2008
Mike and Family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you guys.
Take care Linda
Naomi campbell
February 20, 2008
Wanda, Joel and family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I have so many fond memories of Joe, mostly as a little girl who was so excited to know we were going to meet you Wanda after school. Or being honored to be your flower girl at yours and Joes wedding and how can I forget the day he took me to the hospital when I was in labor with Peter. I really will miss Joe and I hope you know that I am here for you and the family if I can help in any way.
love Naomi AKA Nikki
Ruel Ellis
February 20, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Joel Eldridge's name
Memorial Events
for Joel Eldridge
People and places connected with Joel
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joel's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joel Eldridge's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
