Keene, NH – Joseph R. Begin 90, of
Keene, NH, passed away on March 19, 2025, at his daughter's home surrounded by his loving family.
His parents, Laura and Willfred Begin welcomed their son into the world on March 19, 1935, in Northfield, NH. Joe grew up in New Hampshire and later moved to Keene and was a 1955 graduate of Keene High school.
Joe was an active member of the national guards. He met the love of his life, Marie A. Amlaw, and they were married June 29, 1957.
Joe came from a long line of barbers and opened his own barber shop within his home. He was also known as the hot dog man and ran the first lunch truck in Keene. He was an active member of St. Margaret Mary's church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Joe loved to travel with his family, enjoying many outings and camping trips. He was known as the bubble gum man at the campground. Children from all camp sites would run to find the tractor when they heard it coming. Joe would be found on the back of the tractor throwing Bazooka gum to all the children. It brought him much joy to see the children's excitement. In later years he enjoyed traveling with his wife on cruises and trips to Las Vegas.
Joe was an amazing husband of 67 years, to Marie A. Begin, of
Keene, NH; daughters, Brenda Saxton and her husband, Bruce Saxton, Sharon Cummings and her husband, Vinny Cummings, Cindy Greenwood and her husband, Kevin Greenwood, Michele Cashman and her husband, Tom Cashman, Renee Thompson and her husband, Michael Thompson. 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 3 great, great-grandchildren. Joe has 4 siblings. A brother Willy Begin of Tennessee, a sister Violet Robinson of Westmoreland, NH, and two siblings that predeceased him, Pauline Whitney of Florida and Maurice Begin of Florida.
Joe was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend, who loved his family deeply. He always had a smile on his face and was kind to others.
Graveside service will be held at Monadnock View Cemetery, 499 Park Ave,
Keene, NH on May 2, 2025 @10:30am.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Joe Begin's memory to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Rd, Swanzey, NH 03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.