Joseph A. E. Garand
October 29, 1934 ~ October 20, 2023
Resided in:
Sanford, Maine
SANFORD—Joseph A. E. Garand, 88, of Sanford, died peacefully at his home on Friday October 20, 2023.
He was born in Biddeford October 29, 1934 the son of Jacques and Clara (Fecteau) Garand. He grew up in Biddeford and Graduated from St. Louis High School. He entered the Air Force in 1955, serving for 20 years. His time in the service included several tours in Vietnam and duty stations all over the world. He was married to Simonne Cote in 1956 and they shared 53 years of marriage before her passing in 2009. After retiring from the Air Force, Joe moved back to Maine and worked at several jobs but eventually settled at Pratt and Whitney. He was never far from aviation.
Joe enjoyed his miniature horses, travelling with his wife, including driving along the coast and walking on the beach. After Simonne’s passing, Joe became active in the VFW and the DAV as well as other veteran’s organizations. He was active with the Knights of Columbus, Fatima and the Mennaisian Family. He also worked at Presidential Airways and even fueled the Bush’s plane when they would visit their home in Kennebunkport.
Mr. Garand is survived by his sister, Sr. Clara Garand PM of Marlboro, MA; his children, Charlotte Garand of Sanford, Roch Garand of Sanford and Antoine Garand and his wife Dosheena Karim of Florida; his grandchildren, Emily Garand-Williams and Alexander Garand and his great-grandchildren, Shok and Story Williams.
Visiting hours will be at the Carll, Heald and Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale on Monday October 30 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church on Tuesday October 31 at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to one of the organizations below.
VFW 1 Hutchinson St., Sanford, ME 04073 or at https://www.vfw.org
Wounded Warriors Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate
DAV 1 Hutchinson St. Sanford, ME 04073 or at https://www.dav.org
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I first met Joe and the Rustics at their reunion in Florida. My brother, Doug “Rustic Mike” Norman was a backseater with Joe. When he realized I was Doug’s sister he said, “can I give you a hug?” He was so happy to meet me. Spending time with the Rustics that weekend taught me how much love and respect they had for each other. I’m blessed to have met Joe and I will cherish his friendship. God bless.
I was sad to read of Joe’s passing. I know the pain of losing a parent and pray God’s love comforts your family.
I miss you Dad but I know you’re with Mom in heaven. You were an awesome role model – your love of family
rip Joe till we meet again..
Jerry and Joe worked together at Pratt n Whitney ..
we are so sorry for your loss..Joe will truly be missed..
I flew with Joe many times in Cambodia as he served as an airborne interpreter for the Rustic Forward Air Controllers. I loved Joe because he saved my life on a mission we flew together. He would always deflect my praise at our reunions, but I would not be writing this if he had not acted. Always a gentleman, may he rest in peace with my eternal gratitude.
His rosary and he really loved going to church
Every moment of every day.
He gave back to the people. He was very selfless.
I always admired his strong faith in God.
He always smiled and laughed. I will always remember the giggle he would let out.
He always put others before himself and he always made sure people knew the love of Jesus.
•Caring
•Loving
•sunshine
•Funny
•Selfless
He taught me to not give up even when I really wanted too. He was a fighter.
We picked flowers outside together and put them in a vase.
His faith in God, his family and friends.
He was very welcoming and he always made me feel at home. I never have gotten so close to a human being like I did with him. He will always be in my heart.
His daughter Charlotte shared me the story about the time when Joseph was a kid and was helping the milk man and the milk man’s truck was on a hill and it crashed.
I also really love when he told me about the time he saved people in Afghanistan.
I would be having a hard day and I’d walk in and he would just make it all better, just his smile brightened up my day.
I cared for Joseph for the last 9 months of his life. He became family to me and I’m so beyond grateful to have gotten to know him.
Jesus loves you and you did good here. I am so grateful and blessed that God sent me to you.
Uncle had a great sense of humor and gave wonderful words or wisdom – he will be deeply missed
Remembering the great times shared with cousins at Hills Beach
To Émilien’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. RIP dear cousin
Priscille Fecteau Gagnon
I met Joe on Nov. 10th, 1971, upon my arrival from Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam to Ubon RTAFB, Thailand. Joe, along with Ralph Dow and I comprised half of the enlisted, airborne interpreters that had volunteered to fly with the Rustic FACs in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. All three of us were from Maine. Joe was NCOIC of the interpreters and he led by example. He was like a father figure to me and was instrumental in my performing my job to the best of my abilities, as raw as those were as I had just turned 21 eight days earlier.
Dear Charlotte, Rock, Antoine and family, please accept our sincere condolences and prayers as you deal with the loss of your father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and cousin. May the good Lord wrap his loving arms around all of you during this time of grief.
Joe was a family man, devoted husband, a true warrior and patriot who bled red, white and blue. A man of God with a tremendous faith. A loyal Red Sox fan and above all, a true friend. I will miss him tremendously.
During one of Joe’s missions when he and his pilot were conducting an air strike against the Viet Cong in defense of the Cambodian Army’s soldiers, the pilot suffered “target fixation” as they doved down to mark the target area for the jet fighters who were standing by with their load of bombs. Joe had to yell out to his pilot over the intercom to snap him out of his trance as he ws about to fly the plane into the ground. Joe’s action saved them both!
You were such a gregarious and passionate person. So full of life and love.. for your family, faith, and country.
The warm smile, the welcoming hug, and the stories.. they bring a smile to my face through my tears.
Uncle Joe, I am so proud to have been your niece.
Rest in peace dear Uncle Joe.