Joseph R. Canuel

Joseph R. Canuel

Greenfield, MA - Joseph R. Canuel, age 65, of 49 Maple Street, Greenfield MA. was unexpectedly "Called Home", on Sunday July 20, 2025, in the presence of his loving wife. He was born in Providence, RI on November 29, 1959, the son of the late Leo and Annette Canuel. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Greenfield High School Class of 1977. Joe continued his education at Greenfield Community College, receiving an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Throughout his life he excelled as an athlete in many sports and was recognized for his talents.

Joe owned and/or managed many car dealerships throughout his career until his retirement. However, his true passion was his love for playing and writing music that focused on his relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God laid on his heart the desire to touch as many souls as he possibly could. He also was a Gideon which included the jail ministry and nursing home visits.

He followed many New England sports teams, despite the number of damaged remote controls, but his highlight was going to Lambeau Field to see the Packers play. He also enjoyed an occasional Guiness at his tiki bar that was decorated with endless trinkets. Multiple times he starred as "Jake" in Blue's Brother performances at many locations, and his favorite music band of all times was the Beatles and the song "Let It Be". He loved taking family vacations that were along the ocean and spent hours finding heart-shaped rocks and shells for his hand-made necklaces. He also made walking sticks that he used to take "Gremblin Adventures" with his precious grandchildren and any nonconsenting adults. They honored many family traditions, with his favorite being reading the "Night Before Christmas" to his grandkids in their matching pajamas. He attended every possible sporting event or activity that his grandkids participated in. The driving force of his marriage with Kim was to be the best Pepe and Meme possible, and to live a Christian life.

His "Heaven on Earth" was their lake house in Monson where he found peace and solace, and engaged with nature and animal sightings, with his favorite being the heron. First and foremost, he never let anyone close to him go a day without knowing that he loved them, including the love of his life, Kim. He made everyone feel like his best friend and will be missed by all. Each and every one of you, remember the unforgettable memories.

Joe wrote a book entitled "Soul Road – The Journey Road" that spoke of everyone's journey from the cradle to the grave. May God bless his journey Home…..

Besides his beloved wife of forty years, Kim (Perreault) Canuel, Joe leaves three daughters, Jessica Castine and her husband Ryan of Greenfield, Nichole Phillips and her husband Garrett of Turners Falls, and Teresa Chandler and her husband Tim of Athol. He was blessed to have three loving daughters and their husbands he considered the sons he never had. He adored his nine grandchildren: Kohen, Madison, Owen, Michael, Cody, Gabriel, Quinn, Dylan and Chloe; brother, Robert Canuel; two sisters, Jaime Williams and Bruce of Meyersville, MD and Cheryl Canuel and her partner Kirsten of Turners Falls; and several nieces and nephews. He had a special bond with his in-laws, Don and Joan Perreault of Greenfield. He often said that alongside his dad, Leo (nicknamed "Lelo"), Don was the greatest man he knew. He also leaves behind his irreplaceable little furry buddies: Jake, Chara, Lou and Samantha.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home in Greenfield.

Funeral services will be held Monday 7/28 at 11am at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Green River Bible Church Building Fund, 7 Devens St., Unit A, Greenfield MA 01301, 413-522-4857 or office@greenriverbible.com.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.