1937 – 2015
RUMFORD — Joseph A. Elliott, 77, died Friday, April 3, at Rumford Hospital, with his family by his side, following a brave battle with lung cancer. He was a lifelong resident of Rumford.
Born in Rumford on Dec. 21, 1937, he was a son of Fred J. and Mary E. (Roach) Elliott Sr. He was a graduate of Stephens High School, Class of 1957. He served as a private first class in the United States Army, Second Brigade, 5th Infantry Division from 1961 to 1967, and was stationed in Hawaii on active duty during the early preparation stage for what would escalate in to the Vietnam War. He was a proud Army solider, despite constant ribbing from his father and three brothers, who were all Navy men.
He was a dedicated lineman first class for Central Maine Power Company for more than 20 years and was frequently dispatched for extended periods to establish and restore service across the state of Maine.
Joseph was a member of Rumford Falls Aerie No. 1248, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Robert Shand Post No. 24 American Legion. He was an excellent pool player, placing in many tournaments and earning the nickname “Ice Man” for his ability to sink difficult shots under pressure.
He grew up loving the outdoors and learning to hunt and fish at the family’s beloved summer residence at Roxbury Pond. It was and continues to be a place where extended family and friends congregate to picnic, fish, have bonfires on the beach, laugh and retell family stories.
Joe was particularly known as having a strong wit and dry sense of humor. He learned to text message in his later years and continually sent funny messages to his children, grandchildren and friends.
Joseph recently celebrated 51 years of marriage to Martha Oldham of Rumford, who survives him. Other survivors include two daughters, Shelly Bartlett and her husband, Peter, of Yarmouth, and Brenda McCallister and her husband, Walter, of Standish; one brother, William Elliott and his wife, Alicia, of Melbourne, Fla; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Elliott of Rumford, Jacqueline Oldham of Peru; four grandchildren, Jackson and Lauren Bartlett of Yarmouth and Benjamin and Kyle McCallister of Standish. He was the favorite Uncle Joe to many nieces and nephews, including Dave Elliott, Cindie Elliott Rice and Pattie Paul, who were with him as he passed.
He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Rita Paul; two brothers, Richard Elliott and Fred Elliott Jr.; parents-in-law, Maurice and Elva Oldham; and brother-in-law, Warren Oldham.
Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.
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