Joseph Yoder

Joseph P. Joe Yoder 64, a longtime Franklin resident, community activist and often referred to as the Mayor of Main St., died Saturday October 22, 2011 at Milford Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Donna L. (Johanson) Yoder, who died in 2005. Born in Boston, June 7, 1947 a son of the late Norman T. and Margaret M. (Brennan) Yoder, he lived in Franklin for most of his life, and is a graduate of Franklin High School. Until his retirement, he worked as a custodian at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School in Franklin. He was a well known fixture for many community events, usually the first to arrive for an event, he and his late wife would always be on hand to assist at the annual July 4th celebration on the common, the St. Rocco celebration, the former K of C Bingo games, the annual K of C Tootsie Roll drive, parades, festivals, special events and other social gatherings. He always made himself available to assist wherever he was needed. He was a member of Sacred Heart Council #1847 Knights of Columbus in Franklin, and a 4th Degree member of Edward Douglas White General Assembly Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Franklin Senior Citizens, and was a communicant of St. Marys Church in Franklin where he served as an usher for many years. He was a former volunteer fireman in Franklin, and a school crossing guard for the town. He was close to the political climate in town, and ran for office several times. Joe is survived by 2 daughters; Mary M. Yoder and her fianc Scott Metcalf of Attleboro, Patty A. Denneen and her husband Joseph of Vershire, Vermont, 2 brothers; Frank H. Yoder of Milford, John J. Yoder of Franklin, 4 sisters; Catherine L. Yoder of Lancaster, Penn., Josephine A. Lamothe of Seekonk, Theresa Davis of Leominster, and Pauline Wight of Ashby. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren; Pamela & Michael Metcalf, Annemarie & Joseph Denneen III, and a great granddaughter Hailee Denneen, and numerous nieces & nephews. He is the brother of the late Gilbert, & Norman Yoder, Mary Rainville, Rosemarie Goyette and his twin Annemarie Yoder and the brother in law of the late Richard Davis. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Saturday Oct. 29th at 9:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oterifuneralhome.com, with a funeral Mass in St. Marys Church at 10AM. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Calling hours are Friday 4-8PM at the funeral home.