Joseph R. Anderson

Melrose--Joseph R. Anderson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 13, 2016, at the age of 96.

He was born and raised in Aroostook County, Maine, lived in Sweden for one year, and later moved with his family to Melrose, MA. Joseph became a dedicated employee of New England Memorial Hospital for over 23 years and was also a member of the Stoneham Memorial Seventh-day Adventist church.

Joseph was an avid gardener and spent countless hours outside caring for his fruit trees and garden. He also enjoyed local Boston sports, and spent many years cheering on the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics with his family. Joseph was somewhat of a local legend on the Melrose coffee scene, making many friends at the coffee shops he frequented every morning. Joseph's true loves were family, food and fun, and his prized memories were mainly created on occasions that involved all three, such as weekly family dinners or outings with his family.

Joseph was the loving husband of Claira (Barriault) Anderson for 64 years. He was the treasured father of Gail Girard of Franklin, NH, Linda Malonson and her husband Bob of Saugus, MA, and David Anderson of Melrose, MA. He was the cherished grandfather of Lori Girard, Melissa Viele, Amy Girard, and Jennifer Malonson. He also had 5 adoring great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service Celebrating Joseph's Eternal Life will be held at Barile Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT28) Stoneham, on Sunday April 17, from 11:00AM-1:00PM.