Joseph Stebbins

Joseph “Joe” Stebbins, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday September 18, 2020 at home. He was born in Springfield, MA to the late Goldie D. and Lillian V. (Feathler) Stebbins.  Joe is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 53 years,  Janet (Gardner) Stebbins; his 2 daughters, Laura Jarvis and her husband Dwight of Belchertown, MA, Vicki McManman and her husband Rich of Grandview, WI; 4 grandchildren, Shaun Patenaude and his wife Lisa, Jeremy Patenaude and his wife Pam, Kayla Becker and her husband Rob, and Melanie Jarvis.  Joe has been reunited with his beautiful grandson Jeffrey who received his angel wings in 2012.  He is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, Eli Patenaude, Isaac Becker, Sophie Becker, Erik Becker and Tyler Cole.  He is also survived by his sister Henrietta Tangredi of Graham, WA. Joe was an active and dedicated member of Evangel Assembly Church of Wilbraham, MA. Joe had many trials and tribulations in the early years. However, his crosses he was charged to bear were made easier when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in the 1980’s.  He became our gentle giant with strong hands and a soft heart that guided us all down this path called Life. He had a strong work ethic and was very proud to have worked for Strathmore Paper Company for 30 years. Joe was immensely proud that every year that he worked for Strathmore he received awards for perfect attendance.  He would work double shifts just to be sure his family had everything they needed. Despite the long hours, he always had time for his daughters.  You would often see him playing hit the bat, a softball game in the backfield or coaching his daughter in the fine art of pitching softball. When he first retired, you would often find him visiting people in the hospital or nursing homes.  His beautiful smile and infectious laugh could make anyone feel better.  He would witness and pray with people, while offering them the comfort that was needed during difficult times for them. We have no doubt Christ greeted him at heaven’s gates saying, “Well done my son.” He was a huge Red Sox fan.  It was mandatory that his girls marry a Red Sox fan. Dwight easily met this qualification. My father had such a forgiving heart, that he was willing to overlook Dwight’s love for the Patriots.  His blessings were granted to take Laura’s hand in marriage. Rich promised Stebby that his American league team would be the Red Sox.  His blessing was received to marry Vicki.  Stebby was thrilled to finally have sons in the family. When his grandsons, Shaun and Jeremy, were young you could find him at the baseball field watching them with pride.  Every summer when Kayla and Jeffrey were young, they would fly out to see their grandparents.  He made sure Kayla had her chocolate covered donuts and Jeffrey his McDonald’s hamburger – with cheese.  The number of his grandchildren grew by another when Laura and Dwight were married, and Dwight’s daughter Melanie became part of Joe’s family.  His grandchildren meant the world to him. As the grandchildren aged, marriage and 5 great grandchildren came along.  He was their Boppy. They were his pride and joy.  He was so proud of Shaun with the support he provided to Lisa and his step- son Tyler.  When Jeremy and Pam welcomed Eli into the world his heart was overjoyed.  You could find Boppy playing with matchbox cars with Eli or listening intently as Eli repeated all the state capitals or all of the finer points of Star Wars.  You would never realize there was any distance between Massachusetts and Minnesota when Kayla and Rob were blessed with Isaac, Sophie, and Erik.  He soon learned to love to video chat.  His heart would melt when the kids would blow him kisses, show him their artwork or perform new stunts they have learned. But, even as a Christian you aren’t guaranteed a life with no sorrow.  His grandson, Jeffrey gained his angel wings in 2012.  His faith and trust in God could not be swayed.  He guided his family through this grief with strength, dignity and teaching us to rely on Jesus when the storms of life hit. He struggled with his health in the last few years of his life, but he never lost his smile, his humor or his laugh. You would never know he was in pain.  He enjoyed the little things.  He looked forward to going out for ice cream with Cliff and Pat or a nice lunch made by his special friend Dave at Reid’s.  He appreciated the visits from all his friends and family.  In this chaotic world we live in now, he could still find the joy in life, making memories with family and friends. As a family we would like to honor Joe, and have you follow in his footsteps to have the peace that passes all understanding, by encouraging you to let Jesus into your heart.  Joe never liked to say good-bye.  He would end a visit by saying God bless you. We would like to say God bless each and every one of you.  He is at home with Jesus and at peace.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and time for family and friends.