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Joseph Deignan Obituary
WORCESTER - Joseph E. Deignan, 86, of Worcester, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 23, 2017 after a short illness.
Joe was born in Leicester, son of James M. and Elizabeth (McConville) Deignan. He was a graduate of South High School and the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. He later earned a master's degree in Art Education at Assumption College.
Joe was an art teacher at Shrewsbury High School for 30 years, retiring in 1993. He also served many years as director of art education for the Shrewsbury public schools. He had previously taught in Worcester public schools.
Joe was a gifted artist. He painted primarily in oils and water colors. He favored painting scenes of prominent buildings and historic homes.
Joe had a passion for local history. He was an active longtime member of the Worcester Historical Museum.
Joe was a generous community volunteer. For many years, he restored artifacts for display in the collection of the Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives at the Worcester Armory. He created and donated a painting that was used as a fundraiser to honor the firefighters killed in the infamous December 3, 1999 fire in Worcester. He also enjoyed reading and had a great appreciation for antiques.
Joe shared his quick wit with his family and countless friends. He was devoted to his nieces and nephews.
Joe leaves a brother, James B. Deignan and his wife Elizabeth, of Worcester; three nieces, Sharon Casillo, Kathleen Thomas, both of Worcester, and Karen Blackney of Westborough; and two nephews, Stanley and Anthony Casillo, both of Auburn. His sister, Elizabeth Casillo, died in 2002.
Funeral services and burial will be private. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609. The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Deignan
Sponsored by Athy Memorial Home - Worcester.
Bob Carlsen
September 23, 2020
Hard to believe that it’s been 3yrs since our friend Joe passed,we miss his visits and all his great stories,our dog Rudy misses him bringing treats,Your always in our thoughts and prayers Joe, John,Bob and Rudy
Jim Wooden
June 18, 2018
Best teacher I ever had,I still have some pieces we made in his class some 30 years ago.Made me laugh alot,great guy..Rest in Peace sir.
November 30, 2017
Joe- You are in the hands of God now painting pictures of the glories of Heaven.Thank you for everything you helped me with while I was in Shrewsbury. All of your students and colleagues will certainly miss you.
Rest in Peace Joe
Sharon Deignan
October 18, 2017
It was always a pleasure to visit with Cousin Joe, sharing a never ending list of topics, and enjoying his books about Worcester in the old days.
He could chat about anything with such intellect and humor. I never ceased admiring his beautiful artwork and I treasure the picture he went out of his way to put it in a frame for me.
He will be missed. I pray for comfort to all the family and friends at this time.
October 4, 2017
Joe was a true artist and teacher for me and so many others at Shrewsbury High School in the late 80s. His humor was legendary as he gently guided so many young artists to follow his lead. I'm proud to have been in his classes and inspired by his works as I'm an art teacher too. His memory will live on. May you Rest in Peace Joe.
October 3, 2017
Mr. Deignan was my art teacher at Commerce High School.
Loved him.
My friend Sharon Deignan was a relative of his so I got to see him last year or two. Condolences to his family.
Linda Davis (Porter)
Class of 1966
October 2, 2017
Joe, My friend of 53 yrs., I will never cease wishing the best of everything for you wherever you are. Shall miss you unceasingly.
Yours faithfully, Isabelle
September 29, 2017
Mr Deignan was my absolute favorite teacher! I could not wait to go to his art class every day and see his smiling face. Knowing he has passed brings a tear to my eye
Kathleen James
Class of 1973 SHS
Lynne Sigel
September 29, 2017
"Mr Deignan" was my favorite art teacher at Shrewsbury High and inspired my love of art. May he rest in Piece. Lynne Rezuke Sigel Class of 1981
Mary Shanley-Foley
September 28, 2017
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
David
September 27, 2017
Joe was a great guy. I used to see him over at Hope Cemetary pruning the bushes and neatening up all the graves that were long since forgotten. He was very kind to my dog also. He will be missed!
September 27, 2017
My deepest condolences to Joe's family. He was such a sweet and caring man. May he watch over all that knew him.
Assunta Verrengia
September 27, 2017
Joe befriended me when I was new to Worcester. He has the most wonderful stories about the city. He was beautiful soul and had a heart of gold that he showed to those who deserves it. I will miss his jokes, his hugs, his conversations, and his warmth. Love you always Joe.
September 27, 2017
"Mr.Deignan" You were an inspiration to me at Shrewsbury High School along with so many other students for countless years. Thank You!! There will always be a special place full of fond memories in my heart. Rest in Peace.
Matthew Roberge 1982
Frank Goyette
September 27, 2017
I went to shool and worked with Joe. He was a a great and generous guy. I always think of him when I look at a painting he did and gave me as a gift. I am saddened at his passing.....A true creative talent
Linda Joubert
September 26, 2017
Joe believed in my art helping me get into MassArt!! He was an inspiration and pushed me harder and harder to become who I am today. I loved being in his classroom. Thank you Joe.
Carlene Deluca
September 26, 2017
I was honored to have Mr. Deignan as my art teacher in Shrewsbury. He was a master. I will never forget him.
September 26, 2017
Thank you for encouraging the artist in me !!!!!! Patricia "Sweeney" Stuck class of 66
September 26, 2017
I am now 48, and will always remember Mr Deignan (as he will always be to me) as an inspiring teacher. He was funny, cared about his students and made a lasting impression on me as an amazing artist. He will always have a place in my heart. I know his artist's eye is now beholding the beauty of heaven.
Patricia Deignan King
September 26, 2017
Cousin Joe had a unique combination of intellectualism and a witty sense of humor. His artistic talent made his paintings so enjoyable to look at.
He was warm and hospitable and I always felt so comfortable in his presence. I will miss our visits but the memories of them will make me happy for the time that I had to spend in his company.
Patricia Deignan King
Joan Gosselin
September 26, 2017
I work at TD Bank Webster Square and we were very sorry to hear about Mr Deignan's
passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.
Bill Wallace
September 26, 2017
Joe was a great friend of Worcester and its history. Everyone at Worcester Historical Museum will miss his visits, his words of encouragement, and his many gifts to the collection.
September 26, 2017
Thoughts of Mr. Deignan's Art Class ALWAYS bring a smile to my face - fond memories abound of his endless patience, enthusiasm and energy. All my best wishes to the family. Alicia Shing Solomont (or as he always called me, 'Miss Shing-a-ling")
Elizabeth Witkowski
September 26, 2017
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all..
he was a great man and teacher.. my mentor for sure, pushed my to be better daily. . I helped him do our diplomas in calligraphy and the great conversations we had.. he had me doing bulletin boards in the school .. he always could make you smile for sure.. talented man on so many levels.. god bless you all
Tracy C.
September 26, 2017
Joe was one of my favorite teachers at Shrewsbury High. Always had a funny story or comment, kept the fun going. So sad to hear of his passing.
Suzanne Hilli
September 26, 2017
Very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. What a Great guy, may he rest in peace! Gonna miss you!
September 26, 2017
Joe was my favorite teacher at SHS back in the late 60's. He was kind ,considerate and a very good teacher. My prayers are with his family.
Steve, Auburn, MA
Vicki (Smialek) Bezoenik
September 26, 2017
Mr. Deignan was a great teacher and a wonderful person. I am blessed to count him among my teachers at Shrewsbury High School. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family.
Everett Brown
September 26, 2017
Joe,
You put up with four years of me early in your tour of duty at Shrewsbury High. I appreciate all you taught me. You were fun, you were funny, and you were a good teacher. Rest in peace, my friend.
Everett
Amy Lieberman Melisi
September 25, 2017
The world has lost a truly wonderful man, I have so many fond memories of Mr. Deignan at SHS. Heaven has gained a pure angel!
Steve Trotto
September 25, 2017
Mr Deignan was one of the greatest teachers I ever had at Shrewsbury High School and was always there to listen when I was going through a rough time. The man used to have our whole class in stitches on almost a daily basis and was easily the kindest teacher at the high school. Sad to hear about his passing ...my condolences to his family, friends, and former students.
Jay Marcimo
September 25, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of Joe he was a awesome teacher, one of my favorites. Rest in Peace.
Anne and Stan Casillo
September 25, 2017
Uncle Joe, we will miss your funny expressions, your funny sayings and your visits. Worcester has lost a great historian and artist. The poodles or as your called them "the babies" are going to miss their cookies.
Anne and Sran Casillo
September 25, 2017
Uncle Joe, we're going to miss your funny expressions, your funny sayings and your visits. Worcester has lost a great historian and artist. The poodles or as you would call them "the babies" are going to miss their cookies.
September 25, 2017
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to Joes family,We will miss his many visits to our house in Auburn,where we had many a great conversation over a cup of coffee,He was truly a wonderful person with a quick wit,and a great personality whom always left us laughing.He also had a special love for our dog Rudy.God Bless you Joe you will Always be in our Heart❤John,Bob and Rudy
Robert Aussenheimer
September 25, 2017
Deignan Family,
Joe was my Uncle Chris' (Dr. Christian Aussenheimer) best friend. He helped my Uncle through his final days. Joe had amazing patience with my uncle when most people would have given up. I remember Joe as a kind and intelligent man. Whenever we visited Uncle Chris Joe would come over to see us. May God rest his soul. He is in our prayers. My condolences to the family.
Bob and Kathy Aussenheimer
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