Joel Pelletier

Scarborough – Joel Pelletier, 78, passed away on November 25, 2025, at his home. Joel was born on January 17, 1947, in Portland, son of the late Sylivo Sr. and Marie T. Pelletier.

Joel grew up in Portland where he enjoyed scouting as well as playing baseball, football, and soccer at Bayside Field near his childhood home. He graduated from Portland High School in 1966 and enlisted in the Army. He completed his training in California and fought in Vietnam, surviving the Tet Offensive. Joel was proud of his military service, especially being part of the color guard during one of General William Westmoreland’s visits.

Upon returning home from the war, he married his sweetheart Dorothy on June 21, 1969. Over the next decade they enjoyed married life, began their careers, and moved to Scarborough before starting their family. He worked at AM International in the print shop, at Unum in the forms distribution department, and at the Christmas Tree Shops.

Joel loved the outdoors. As an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 39 in Scarborough, he spent many weekends taking his sons camping, fishing, hiking, and on other adventures. Joel loved to garden, take on home and wood working projects, and share the music he enjoyed with the people that he loved. Joel became a grandfather in 2011. He loved making food for and offering treats to his grandkids.

Joel was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Dorothy (Jordan) Pelletier; sister, Sylvia Pelletier; brother, Sylivo Jr. He is survived by his sons, Brian and his wife Candace Jantzen- Marson, Steven and his wife Shayne Varney; grandchildren, Ansel and Olivia Pelletier; sisters, Rena and her husband James Distasio, Carol and her husband John Rice; and partner, Annie Gagnon.

Visiting Hours will be held from 4pm – 6pm on December 10, 2025, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on December 11, 2025, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Rd. Scarborough; burial to follow at Old Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland.

Instead of flowers, please make donations in Joel’s memory to to VFW 6859 of Portland, 687 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103 or online at https://vfwportland.org/donate-to-vfw6859