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Joseph Fugere Obituary
Joe was born July 29, 1966. He is survived by his wife Kelly Jackson; daughter Jillian Fugere; sisters, Justine and Jackie Fugere and countless friends.
Joe was raised in Mystic, the son of Elizabeth Smith and Joseph Fugere. He initially pursued studies at the University of Connecticut but ultimately decided that college life was not his calling.
Joe had a strong passion for boating and served as a captain of the Cross Sound Ferry for many years. In addition to his time on the ferry, Joe charted his own course by overseeing operations at JJJ Realty and managing Sandy Hollow Farm.
Becoming a father and family man grounded Joe. He met and married his wife and partner Kelly. He adored his daughter and marveled at her every accomplishment from first steps to first pitches on the field. The three of them lived at Sandy Hollow Farm and together raised cows, horses, and pigs along with caring for many pets.
Those who knew Joe knew there was no more generous, loyal and fun friend. He brought joy and adventure to every boat trip, dirt bike ride, and beach barbeque. He was quick to offer his help to anyone in need. His family and friends meant so much to him. His friends were his chosen family - and he had many brothers and sisters. His spirit was larger than life. It was easy to fall under Joe's mischievous spell.
He often described people with his highest regard: "They have heart". He could forgive any flaw but if you had a good heart - that was all that mattered to him. We will remember him as he was. All heart.
A celebration of Joe's life will take place from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at The Elks Club, 700 Shennecossett Rd., Groton.
His family welcomes everyone to participate. If you would like to share pictures, say a few words, share a memory or a song please email [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Fugere
erik macpeek
June 10, 2024
To Joes family, sisters and other friends and colleagues:
I was the new kid in Mumford Cove in 1980 when I met Joe and his friend Jack Condron. We had some great times in our high school years and had many mutual friends in Groton Long Point, Mumford Cove and Noank. I posted the old group photo (1981) another friend had kept all these years (Brenda Green-GLP) and sadly several of us in the photo have passed away but never forgotten! I went away to study and moved away from CT for many years but visited frequently and would randomly bump into Joe and other on the Block Island Ferry or in a pub or at the hardware store where I last saw Joe a year ago. After 15+ years we enjoyed a long "catch up" chat and agreed to connect on my next visit. Sadly I missed him and was shocked to hear of his sudden passing. He was a kind, easy going, sensitive person and I always look back on our friendship with fond memories. I regret loosing touch with so many friends over the years and after Joe´s recent death I vowed to reach out immediately when I think of an old friend - our lives are so fleeting but our memories of friendships - such as many of us had with Joe with remain in our hearts and minds always.
Josh Beebe
April 28, 2024
Joe helped me and my family out alot, he was generous and kind to us. My condolences to his family and friends.
Pam Britagna
April 17, 2024
Kelly and family, I am so sorry for the passing of Joe. My heart goes out to you and your family. May his memory rest with you forever. Love Pam Britagna
Jay Dempsey
April 16, 2024
I'm so sorry Kelly & Jillian, family and friends. Always great to see Joe on the Ferry....he will be sadly missed by many and remembered as a friend with a "good heart".
Martha(Nelson) McIlwain
April 9, 2024
With a very sad heart, I send my thoughts and prayers to you. He was so proud of Jillian and never failed to talk about her. He was such a good friend to my sons and will leave a great void in everyone's life.
Marie Tyler Wiley
April 7, 2024
To the Fugere family-our deepest condolences to one and all! Especially to Joe who I never met but I´ve always heard from my sister Suzy what a great guy he was! And now looking at his face, I realize I´ve seen him forever.
May the love of your family and friends hold you all up during the sad time. Joe will always be remembered because he´s in your hearts... he´s a part of you. God Bless All!
Hanna Kronholm
April 2, 2024
Kelly & Jillian - I am deeply saddened to hear of Joes passing. He & my dad, Eric, were great friends from childhood & as adults working at CSF together.
After my dad passed Joe was extremely kind to me, offering to lend a hand with anything I needed. He would check in on me from time- to-time and I was always grateful we stayed in touch.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. My sincere condolences.
Connie Harris
April 2, 2024
That's a heartfelt message. Here's a refined version:"While I didn't have the chance to know Joe closely, I often crossed paths with him through mutual friends. Every encounter on the ferry stands out in my memory - Joe was a delightful conversationalist, always radiating happiness with a perpetual smile. His sense of humor ensured there was never a dull moment. Though we lost touch due to relocation, Joe's vibrant spirit remains vivid in my mind. My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Cheryl
April 2, 2024
To Joe's family and friends, my heart aches for all of you. Joe was one of a kind. May he rest in peace.
Jen Shaw
April 2, 2024
So saddened to hear this. Rest in peace Joe. Always the nice and super fun guy. Many condolences to hus family.
Andrew Heublein
April 2, 2024
Dear Kelly and family. Joe and I grew up and hung out in our youth in Groton Long Point. I'm surprised of his passing and very sorry for your loss.
Jane powelzyk
April 2, 2024
Dear Kelly and family.
I am so sorry for your loss , Joe was a part of our family for many years and we have a lot of good memories. May he rest in peace we will miss him.
My prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Jane Powelzyk
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