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BORN
1942
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Earl Joslyn Obituary
Holden - Earl F. Joslyn, Jr., 76, beloved husband of Judith A. (Butler) Joslyn, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at UMass Medical Center – University Campus. Born and raised in Worcester, he was a son of the late Earl F. and Anna T. (Leahey) Joslyn.
He was a graduate of St. Peter's Catholic High School, and went on to further his education by attending business school. Earl proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Earl managed the IGA in West Boylston, beginning on opening day in 1967, and spent the next 35 years as somewhat of a local icon within the IGA community until the store closed its doors in 1994. He then went to work with his brother, Jim at Sharfmans for the next 22 years until his retirement. Earl was a member of St. Columba Parish in Paxton and the Wachusett Country Club where he enjoyed many rounds of golf with his boys, his nephews, his brother Jim, and his close friend, Richard. Earl was truly in his element once inside the clubhouse where he could be found chatting with and ribbing the other members. Everyone knew Earl and many would stop to chat with him and listen to his words of wisdom.
Earl spent many years at Hampton Beach with his family, expertly instructing the kids on the art of body surfing, which earned him the moniker "The Big Kahuna". Earl officially held the title of Hampton Beach Body Surfing Champion from 1985 to 1989, and still claimed to hold the title as of last year. He also enjoyed sports and following all of the New England sports teams, especially the Patriots, which was showcased by his ever present Patriots winter hat.
He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife of 53 years, Judith; his two sons, Michael G. and his wife, Karen and Christopher J. and his wife, Cynthia of Holden; a brother, James Joslyn and his wife, Anne of Holden; a sister, Elizabeth Cote of York, ME; his 5 grandchildren, Dayna and her husband, Dave, Alysha, Sofie, Peter and Clare; and many nieces and nephews.
While he will be sadly missed by all, he was "not here for a long time, just here for a good time".
Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Earl's family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 28 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 29 at 10 am in St. Columba Church, 10 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Earl will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604 or to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 901 E. Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20004-2025.
www.milesfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Earl Joslyn
Sponsored by Miles Funeral Home - Holden.
debbie roberge
February 5, 2019
To The Joslyn Family
We are so sorry to here of Earl's passing. We always saw him laughing, smiling, happy.Always willing to help out my mom and dad. Our families have known each other for many many years. Our prayers to all of you. He will be deeply missed.
Lorraine Bunewith, Debbie Karen Laurie and Jill
Christina Papale
February 3, 2019
Judy, Mike and Chris -
I'm sure you know how much "Mr. Joslyn's" presence was felt up and down Beechwood Road, particularly at #61. His gregarious persona (and fluffy mustache) put him in on a pedestal with the likes of Santa in my child-brain and my block party memories feature Earl in a lead role. He made such a mark on all the Papale kids that our Earl stories are still repeated often - profanity included - and will be for years to come.
January 30, 2019
Dear Jim and family. So sorry for your loss.
Elaine Piekarczyk
Jim Nolan
January 29, 2019
Judy,Chris,Mike So sorry to hear about Earl our prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time.I will miss his quick wit and humor on Friday afternoons at WCC
RIP buddy.
Susan&Jim Nolan
Karin Finnegan
January 28, 2019
What a tribute to Earl that there were so many people at his calling hours tonight. He and his family touched so many. He is in a better place and is no longer in pain, but I have loved him and his family for 50 years, and I will miss him deeply and dearly forever. He was fun and funny and a good man. Rest in peace, my friend.
Karin Lindberg Finnegan
Robert Odanga
January 28, 2019
Some people will forever be deeply etched in the hearts of so many.
Earl Joslyn was a man endowed with so many gifts that enabled him to excel in many fields and endeared him to so many.
He was a man with indomitable courage, very witty and unmatched wisdom.
A strong man with a tender heart who walked the face of this earth softly and purposed to lift all around him to a higher level.
He was a beacon of light that shone even more brighter, the darker and gloomier the day.
It's humbling that such an accomplished man would joyfully stoop so low as to indiscriminately serve men of less stature as myself.
May the Lord who heals broken hearts, extend his balm of healing grace to all of us who knew him, and especially to his beloved family.
We were fond of Earl and we shall miss him dearly. May the Good Lord receive him in Glory with an even bigger salute and grant him eternal rest and peace from the physical scars he bore, some for our sake.
Big Guy, you leave me with tons of memories, you taught me a lot and I salute you my friend, its time to rest and rest peacefully with Sages.
Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death (Isaiah 57:2).
Nancy Gardell
January 28, 2019
I had the distinct honor and absolute privilege to have played golf with Earl, Jim and Richard at Wachusett CC. Earl was such a kind and sweet man. I thoroughly enjoyed golfing with Earl and running into him from time to time. He always had a smile on his face.
My deepest condolences to the entire Joslyn family.
Grace Hebert
January 28, 2019
To the Joslyn family.
My sincere condolences to all of you. I graduated with Earl from St. Peter's and met him many times in Holden and I.G.A.I lived in Holden 36 years before moving to Fl.
Rest in peace Earl. Prayers and blessings to the family at this time of sadness.
Grace Hebert
Sebring,Fl.
Paul REZUKE
January 28, 2019
Jim and Family
Very sorry for your loss, I do remember meeting Earl and seeing him at various golf courses.
Condolences and prayers to your family
Paul Rezuke and Family
Larry Bateman
January 27, 2019
Chris, my condolences to and your family during this tough time. You are in my thoughts.
January 27, 2019
Dear Judy and family,
So very sorry to read of Earl's passing.
Marge Benedict
Deb (Wallace) Milliard
January 27, 2019
Judy, Mike, and Chris, So sorry for your tremendous loss. Earl was one of the greatest neighbors of all time. He was loved by both the adults and kids on the street. The street parties (well, ALL the parties) are etched in my mind, and I often think of the happy times shared with Earl and your family. He was instrumental in helping to make our street more of a family than a group of houses. Love you, Earl. Rest in Peace
Mike Hogan
January 27, 2019
Fitting tribute to an all-time great. Earl will be missed by everybody who was fortunate enough to have him in their life.
January 27, 2019
Another class mate,,,St. Peters 1960 Rest my friend. Joe Doyle
Marianne Houle-Haroian
January 27, 2019
My prayers to the family of Earl. We went to school together at St. Peter's High, class of 1960. May he be at peace
Sis and Dan Masterson
January 27, 2019
Dear Judy and family. Words cannot express the sympathy we have at this time. May the prayers of those who love you carry you through this time of sorrow. RIP friend
Peter Swanson
January 26, 2019
Our condolences to the Joselyn family. We only knew Earl for a short time, but he was a great neighbor and quite a character! He will be missed!
-Peter and Joan Swanson, Melissa Bullard and Jarrod Girardin
January 26, 2019
Christmas Day we saw Earl walking towards the house and he was
wearing shorts and a crooked winter hat. I told my son the very moment that was going to be him in 40 years cause he came in my house wearing shorts and a crooked winter hat !!
William Bartkus
January 26, 2019
My condolences to the Joslyn Family.
St. Peter's C.C. High School
Class of 1960
Vincent Crosby
January 26, 2019
I grew up with earl and had fond memories of him.
Sorry to hear of his passing.
John S Piekarczyk
January 26, 2019
Jim,
Very sorry to hear of Earl's passing. Remembering the good times will help during this difficult time.
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