LEWISTON – Joseph C. Lagasse, 72, of 149 No Name Pond Road in Lewiston, seven weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, died peacefully in the presence of his loving family at his residence on Friday, Aug. 1.

Joseph was born in Lewiston on May 18, 1936, the son of Fernand and Alma Lebel Lagasse. He graduated from St. Dominic Regional High School in 1954 and joined the U. S. Navy the same year. He married Carmelle Duquette on April 7, 1956, and they made their home in Lewiston and Winthrop.

For many years he was employed by Phillips Elmet and also owned and operated Lagasse Small Engine Repair in Winthrop. He enjoyed woodworking, metalworking and mastering the computer. He was a proud and loyal member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carmelle; his three sons, Ronald and his wife, Rhonda, of Lewiston, Normand and his wife, Charlene, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Bert and his wife, Terri, of Clarksville, Tenn.; two daughters, Claudette Jewell and her husband, Irving, of Sabattus and Jeannette Plehn of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by one brother, Raymond of Lewiston, and two sisters, Claire Rogers and husband of Webster, N.Y. and Fernande Theberge. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents.