Joseph Patrick Conrad

JAY – Joseph Patrick Conrad began life as a middle child of five offspring of Mary O’Grady Conrad and Julius Steven Conrad in Denver, Colo. on Oct. 5, 1949. He and his siblings were to take pride in physical labor and the value of ethics and education. He lived by those ethics his whole life.

He passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2026 at the age of 76. He was a 1967 graduate of Regis Jesuit High School in Denver, Colo., in the height of the war in Vietnam.

He was drafted and sent to Vietnam as an Infantry Medic, serving 16 months.

In that time frame, Joseph was awarded a Combat Medical Badge, two Bronze Stars one with a ‘V’ for Valor, Army Commendation with a ‘V’ for Valor, Purple Heart, a Vietnam Service and an Air Medal for multiple air born assault into hostile territory. One of his proudest moments was taking care of his men in the service as a medic.

After being discharged he graduated from a pioneer EMT program sponsored by Denver General Hospital’s second Paramedic class.

Later, he went on to earn a BS degree, cum laude, from Duke University in 1979. He began his Physician Assistant career that lasted 36 years at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, first in the ER and then developing and ultimately heading the Occupational Health Program, a career that he was immensely devoted to, and thoroughly enjoyed.

In the Fall of 1979 he met his soulmate, Gail Gagnon, and were together for 46 years, enjoying a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Joe was especially happy when doing forestry management on his beautiful wood lot. His mantra was always “it’s not what you take, it’s what you leave behind”. He left behind a more beautiful environment by his presence.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Gail; his sister, Maryjule (Peter), Dennis (Pam), Jack (Karin), Paul (Ellie), sister-in-law, Cheryl Gagnon, brother-in-law, Craig Beaulieu; a special nephew, Cade Beaulieu (Andrea) and children; and a special niece, Shannon (Dan) Childress. He also leaves several other nieces and nephews, and many close and loving, dear friends.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; and his mother and father-in-law, Henry and Marilyn Gagnon.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and comfort provided by the VA Togus Hospital, Dr Neil Majithia and staff at Harold Alfond Cancer Care Center in Augusta, and the staff at Oncology Clinic at Maine General Franklin Hospital.

He was a kind, honest, and loving man who would go out of his way to help someone. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held this summer at his home for family and friends.

Arrangements are in the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner St. in Auburn, 783-8545. To share memories and condolences with The Conrad Family, please visit http://www.fortinpinettegroupauburn.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the

Wilton Food Pantry

600 Main St.

Wilton, ME 04294

or to plant a tree in Joe’s honor.