Joseph Thomas Bielskis
RUMFORD – Joseph Thomas Bielskis, 90, passed away on April 28, 2024 at the home of his daughter Maureen and son-in-law David Arsenault where he lived in recent months. He was formerly a resident of Swift Avenue, Rumford.
Born on August 19, 1933, he was the son of Frank and Bernice Bielskis and was the fourth child of eleven siblings. He graduated from Stephen’s High School in 1952 and served in the US Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War. He returned to Rumford and was employed as an electrician for 45 years at the Rumford Paper Mill.
In his younger years he enjoyed a good game of pool and during retirement enjoyed playing golf at Oakdale Country Club. He took great pride in both of his properties and his favorite place was camp at Worthley Pond with his family. Joe would take a break from mowing the lawn at camp for a cold Budweiser and conversation. Our dad was very proud of his Lithuanian heritage and made the best potato pancakes! He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed a competitive game of cribbage with his son-in-law Glenn and loved beating Gloria Zinck at pinochle. Joe was a member of the Rumford American Legion and Elks Club and was notorious for winning the draw from signing the book. He was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching their sporting events.
Joe was a communicant of the Parish of The Holy Savior St. Athanasius St. John Church. Joe married Eileen Goodwin in 1959. She died on Dec. 11, 2023.
He is survived by his daughters Maureen Arsenault and husband David of Rumford, Joleen Bedard and husband Glenn of Turner; grandchildren Brian Bedard and wife Dr. Mariah Treadwell of Sandi, Utah, William Bedard of Turner, Kylie Leavitt of Lewiston and her father William Leavitt.
Joe is also survived by sisters Shirley Legere, Cecilia “Sissy” Gallant and husband Ernest, Stella Philbrick and husband Rodney, brothers Paul Bielskis and John Beaudoin, sisters-in-law Viola LeBlanc, Patricia Bartholemew, Barbara Gauvin, brother-in-law Raymond Bartholemew; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, in-laws William and Mary Goodwin; brothers Frank and David, sisters Bernice Comeau and husband Albert, Annie Richard and husband Edward and Rosemarie Boucher, sisters-in-law Imelda Popham and husband William, Anita Goodwin and Sally Beaudoin, brothers-in-law David LeBlanc, Urban Goodwin, Albert Legere and Paul Gauvin.
Friends and family are invited to share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.
A celebration Mass for both Joe and Eileen will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:00 at Parish of the Holy Savior St. Athanasius St. John Church in Rumford followed by a reception at 49 Franklin. Friends and family are invited to go online to share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com
We would like to thank Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for our father.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin Street, Rumford.
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