Jolin, Joseph's Obituary
Deacon Joseph R. Jolin, 96, a native of Berlin, New. Hampshire, and a resident of North Fort Myers, Florida since 1990. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
A Memorial Mass will be held in his honor on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 13031 Palm Beach Blvd. Fort Myers, Florida 33905.
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Joseph is survived by his children, Raymond Jolin (Vivian); Michael Jolin (Jacqueline), Paul Jolin (Mary), and 8 grandchildren Wendy Marsh (Brian), Sarah Keith (Jeff), Shannon Jolin, Nicolas Vitiello (Megan), Ryan Vitiello, Anthony Vitiello, Jessica Jolin Blantz (Harold) and Jonathan Jolin; 8 great grandchildren & 3 great, great grandchildren as well as his brother, Louis Jolin of New Hampshire
He was preceded in passing by his loving wife of 65 years, Corinne M. Gagnon Jolin; son, Ronald Jolin; siblings, Simon Jolin and Leonna Norman and great grandson, Blaise Marsh.
He was truly dedicated to the love of his life, Corinne, whom he was smitten with the moment they met while on sabbatical from the seminary. They were constantly together until her passing in 2019, enjoying frequent travel, Broadway dinner theater and Busch Garden outings. When he retired, they settled in their dream home at Heritage lakes in North Fort Myers enjoying all the amenities the park had to offer and being close to family.
Joseph (Grandpa Jolin) took great pride in sharing his many accomplishments with love and joy. He also enjoyed celebrating the successes of his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family was his greatest blessing and source of happiness.
Joseph proudly served in the military for over 20 years as an internal auditor and computer programmer and received numerous medals and awards. He served all over the country as well as Vietnam and Guam.
He was a devote Catholic and had an extraordinary love for his Lord. He enjoyed his daily devotions, writing sermons and studying scripture. He was ordained as a Deacon on June 30, 1981, in the Diocese of Norwich, CT, where he later transferred to the Diocese of Venice, Florida, serving as a Deacon at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Fort Myers, Florida. During his many years as a deacon, he worked tirelessly in prison ministry, underprivileged communities and anointing of the sick. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus Honorary Life Member. He was also a cofounder of the organization Freedom to Learn and devoted much of his time to this pro-life education program.
He was a man of strong faith, and he taught us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. Joseph will also be remembered by many for his vivid storytelling, humor and quick wit. He was an inventor at heart and spoke English, French and Latin. Some of his favorite activities included family gatherings and cookouts, hunting, fishing, swimming, golf and pool. He will fondly be remembered for his love of ice cream. He also enjoyed hot toddies before bed and his absolute favorite… McDonald’s coffee.
Joseph will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity of meeting him along his journey.
Fort Myers Memorial Gardens is honored to serve the family of Deacon Joseph R. Jolin.
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