Joseph Norman Bourque

Joseph Bourque, age 89, of Oxford, entered into rest on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Shady Knoll Health Center in Seymour. Born in Waterville, Maine, on July 6, 1936, he was the son of the late Albert and Valeda (Poulin) Bourque. He moved to Shelton in 1959 and later settled in Oxford in 2013.

He served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959. For many years he worked at Housatonic Lumber until his retirement. Joseph was deeply involved in the life of St. Joseph Church in Shelton, where he belonged to the Men’s Club, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and was known as the beloved Bingo caller. He and his wife also shared a joy for square dancing together.

Joseph was the devoted husband of 53 years to the late Grace (Pearce) Bourque. He leaves behind his beloved sons, Richard Bourque and his wife Brenda, and Steven Bourque and his wife Marisa. He was cherished by his grandchildren Eric, Kenny, Jennifer, Kelly, Jason and his wife Paige, and Jessica, as well as great-grandchildren Derek and Elizabeth, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Michael, his daughter Elizabeth, three brothers, Robert, Albert Jr., and Henry Bourque, and four sisters, Lucille Fletcher, Lorette Grant, Juliette DiBenedetto, and Evette Beaulieu.