Joseph B. Wark

COLCHESTER - Joseph Bracco Wark, of Colchester, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at Birchwood Terrace Healthcare with his family by his side. Joe was 82 years old.

He was born in Barre on Oct. 12, 1928, the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Roy Wark. He graduated from Spaulding High School. Promptly after graduation and with a strong desire to travel the world, he joined the United States Navy. Over the course of his naval career, he served in Africa and the Caribbean for 20 years. His service spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

In 1958, he married Nyla Aldrich, of Barre. They traveled the Caribbean, eventually being stationed in Cuba. Nyla and firstborn Brian were evacuated from Cuba during the missile crisis, while Joe remained to fulfill the mission. He later joined his family in his last duty station in Boston.

In the 1960s, Joe and Nyla returned to Vermont, where he founded the Burlington Dental Lab, a successful business he would run for over 30 years. He worked with Brian and trained him to succeed him, and the business continues to thrive as a result of his efforts.

After the passing of Nyla, Joe eventually met his partner, Gail Lavalley, with whom he spent the remaining days of his life.

Joe loved the outdoors and nature. He was an avid huntsman and camper, finding great peace in his most favorite of places, Groton. Groton would become a place where he would bring his family and where they gained their love of the outdoors. He also worked tirelessly on his lawns and gardens that became his refuge.

Joe was a member of the Elks Club for over 20 years and was a Shriner as well.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Brian Wark and wife Tammy, of Fairfax, and Stephen Wark and wife Wendy, of Colchester; three grandchildren, Caitlin, Amanda and Jonah Wark; his partner, Gail Lavalley, of Colchester; two sisters, Beverley Stouper, of New Mexico, and Janet Leader, of Vermont; and by many nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his stepmother, Anne Wark; and his brothers, Roy and David Wark.

Joe's family extends their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Birchwood for the care given to Joe during his illness.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 28, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the First Congregational Church of Essex, 37 Main St. in Essex Junction. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Colchester. There will be no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be made to Birchwood Terrace Healthcare Alzheimer's Unit, 43 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, VT 05408.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service in Burlington. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.readyfuneral.com.