Joseph Edward Koehler

Joseph E. "Joe" Koehler, age 89, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at Stonebridge Assisted Living in Burlington. He was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen (Russett) Koehler, who passed in July of 1999, and the late Bonnie (Grew) Koehler, who passed in March of 2024.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, on June 27, 1936, Joe was one of five children of the late Charles and Jesse (May) Koehler. He was raised in Queens, New York and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School. Joe went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University, laying the foundation for a long and fulfilling career.
Joe met and married Kathleen, the love of his early life, and together they ultimately settled in Scituate, Massachusetts, a place Kathleen loved for its connection to the coast. There, they raised their son, Christopher, and built a life centered around family, community, and the sea.
A dedicated mechanical engineer, Joe spent over 30 years at Gillette, where he helped develop innovations such as Atra, Sensor, and the Cricket Lighter. After officially retiring from Gillette, he continued as a consultant, always bringing his sharp analytical mind and methodical approach to every problem. For Joe, engineering wasn't just a job, it was a way of seeing the world. He believed every issue had a clear solution if you took the time to analyze it properly, and he had the patience and intellect to do just that.
After the devastating loss of Kathleen, Joe found comfort in his passions of woodworking, fishing with friends, and quiet time by the water. He later reconnected with Bonnie Grew after Kathleen's passing and married in 2002. Joe and Bonnie shared a joyful chapter of life together living in Pine Hills in Plymouth and golfing side by side at the White Cliffs Country Club. Their bond was one of laughter, companionship, and mutual respect. Her passing in 2024 marked another deep loss in Joe's life.
Joe will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp wit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. A natural problem-solver and a caring father, husband, and friend, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and quiet perseverance.
In addition to Kathleen and Bonnie, he was predeceased by his siblings, Jean Caton, Roberta Rogers, Ruth Assande, and Charles (Buddy) Koehler.
Joe is survived by his son Christopher Koehler and his wife Carol of Scottsdale, AZ., his stepchildren, Timothy Woodward of Hollis, NH., Tammy Scott and her husband Bob of Burlington, and Christine Walter of Mechanicsburg, PA. There are nine grandchildren including Benjamin Woodward, Julie Brimlow and her husband John, Kylie Scott, Martina Scott, Katherine Scott, Olivia Walter, Ethan Walter, Justin Koehler and his wife Gina, and Jessica Ryszkowski and her husband Matthew.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his graveside service, with military honors, on Saturday November 8th at 11am at the Fairview Cemetery, Trinity Park Section, Scituate MA. The cemetery is located behind The United Church of Christ First Trinitarian Church, 381 Country Way in Scituate, MA.