Joseph D. Guertin

Joseph D. Guertin October 13, 1922 - November 27, 2008 WEST PALM BEACH - Joseph D. Guertin, 86, resident of Palm Lake Estates, West Palm Beach, Florida, formerly of Putnam, CT. Born Oct. 13, 1922, in West Warwick RI, son of the late Arthur Guertin and the late Rose Chattelle. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Ruth (Varbedian), 3 loving children and their spouses; Linda Anastasia and her husband Richard of Westerly , RI, Larry Guertin and his wife Judith(Loiselle) of Tynsgboro, MA, Denise Guertin Sklaroff and her husband Neil of Brooklyn, NY and Charlestown RI, four adoring grandchildren, Stephen Anastasia, Lisa Anastasia , Mark Anastasia & Matthew Guertin, 2 very special great grandchildren, Xavier and Svante Anastasia. He was the brother Walter Spraske of Ballouville, CT and the late Nelson (Bob) Guertin and the late Henry (Pat) Guertin both of Putnam CT. He and his wife were lovingly honored on March 8th 2008 by family and friends with a celebration of their life together on their 65th Wedding Anniversary. A member of the “Greatest Generation of Americans�, he served his country with distinction during WWII in the 709th Military Police Battalion in the European Theater. One of his proudest moments occurred when he and two of his fellow soldiers sat in the balcony of a small French theater. The audience stood, saluted them and cheered because they represented the liberating forces that had freed Paris from German occupation. Prior to the WWII he was employed by the Safety Equipment Company, Putnam Ct. Following the war he was employed by Alexander's Shoes, later owning the store. He also managed the former Mathieu's Shoe store in Putnam. Some of his fondest memories were of his interactions with the citizens of Putnam, CT with whom he had a loyal following. He enjoyed his contacts with the public and valued their friendship and trust. There were many who were recipients of his quiet acts of charity. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a person who was generous and loving who always had a story to tell. He cherished his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren all of whom loved him deeply. It being his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Following cremation internment will take place at a Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Massachusetts. Donations may be made in his name to Hospice of the West Palm Beach VA Hospital, C/O Voluntary Service (Community Living Center Acc. # 8024), 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach FL. 33410-6400.