1938 – 2013

JAY — Joseph W. Longley Sr., 75, a resident of Jay, died peacefully, Saturday, Nov. 16, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 30, 1938, in Rumford, the son of Edwin and Annie (Levesque) Longley. He was a graduate of Mexico High School. On March 27, 1970, in Livermore Falls, he married his wife of 43 years, Virginia “Gini” Brown, of Winthrop.

Joe worked as an operator on #3 Super Calendar for International Paper Company at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay. He retired in 2000 having missed only two days of work during his 32 year career. He was a member of the International Paper Quarter Century Club. Joe enjoyed bass fishing and liked to brag about his 8 lb large mouth and his almost 8 lb small mouth bass. He was a charter member of the Riverbend Bassmasters of Leeds and organized the annual Father/Son Fishing Derby for many years. He also enjoyed camping and vacationing winters in Florida and Arizona. His hobbies were wood working and coin collecting. He participated in many craft fairs selling his novelty woodworking crafts. He absolutely loved playing the slots at the casinos and was an avid sports fan, always routing for the Red Sox, Celtics and New England Patriots. However, his favorite thing to do was play the 3/13 card game with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia “Gini” Longley, of Jay; daughters, Jodi Kimball and her husband, Dwight, of Readfield; Julie Barker and her husband, Gene, of Winthrop; his son, Joseph “Bill” Longley Jr. and his wife, Christine, of Jay; son-in-law, Randy Thompson of East Dixfield; six grandchildren, Eric and Evan Thompson, Joseph “Billy” Longley III, Bryana “Bry” Longley, Alexis Blodgett, Hannah Dube;  great-grandson, Malakai Thompson; step-grandchildren, Dwight, Zack, Brandon, and Tyler Kimball; his sister, Nancy Brackett; and his brother, James Longley.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Lori Thompson; brother, Edwin “Sonny” Longley; and sisters, Rita Pratt, Gloria West, Annie Nickerson, Dorothy Gammon and Jeannette Chenery.

The family would like to thank Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for the great care given to Joe and his family, and give a special thanks to Kimberly Foss for helping the family fulfill his last wish.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.