Ronald (Joe) Albert Poirier rested his weary soul and reunited with his beloved family and friends from yesteryear on February 28, 2025, in Newport, VT.  Joe was an amazing man with many titles throughout his lifetime - a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Born on December 21, 1937, on a farm in Orleans Vermont to Ida & Henry Poirier is where he first learned how precious a family was growing up with 8 brothers and sisters.  Gerard, Wilber, Marguerite (Fournier), Lucien, Peter, & Edward helped to guide him to his heavenly home. David & Rita (Heath) will continue to share their memories, traditions, and life lessons about our family that are so valued and cherished for next generations. Music was always important to Joe - his father nicknamed him "The Whistler" at a very young age.  The nickname that lasted throughout his lifetime, however, was given to him by his grandfather, who once told him that he could box like Joe Lewis - the name stuck, and moving forward, he was just "Joe" to those who knew him.

In 1956, Joe decided to be a true patriot and enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He served his country faithfully until 1958 and then entered the reserves until 1962.  His pride in the military and patriotism for his country never diminished.

After his military career ended, and he no longer worked on the farms, Joe delivered grain for Bailey's and Beacon Feeds for many years.  This skill in driving trucks led him to shift in a different direction to help those in his community.  He started working for the Vermont State Department of Transportation dedicating many hours to the upkeep of our local roads and snow plowing.  He worked there until he retired on January 1, 2000.

On August 25, 1962, Joe married the love of his life, Viola (Wright) Poirier.  Their love story was one for the books. For those that have had the pleasure of knowing them and have witnessed their love, it was a symbol of light and happiness that never waned.  Their faith in God has forever been as strong as their love for each other. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus and earned his Fourth Degree.  Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title "Sir Knight," participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship.

Joe oftentimes would grab Viola when she was in their kitchen and waltz to country music.  Mom's laughter and delight in being in his arms would lead to a moment of their children watching their love shine through.  When they were out with others, they were the envy of the entire dance floor.  While their waltzes were a pleasure for everyone to watch, their eyes were always on each other basking in the glow of togetherness.  They were always together taking care of each other, and Viola, through her adoration for Joe, continued to care for him through his last battle on this earth, and one of the hardest to witness, dementia. Their love has always been so simple, yet so profound.  They were a couple, a unit, a team.

As is common for many couples in love, they created their own precious family.   Their first child, Gail (Poirier) Fournier of Copake, New York was born in 1963.  She was the apple of Joe's eye, and with his and Viola's gentle guidance and love, grew up to be a daughter who was always dedicated to her parents.  Joanne (Poirier) Rebelo, aka "Pal" by her dad, was born in 1975, and was the needed addition to this triad.  She brought additional laughter to the home, and shared her father's love of silliness, jokes, and music.

Gail married Donald Fournier in 1987 and together, they had Joe's first two Grandchildren Ashley Jo (Fournier) Kristjansson and Michael Fournier. In 2013, Ashley Jo married Fridrik Kristjansson, and in 2015 Michael married Melissa (Jennings) Fournier.  Joe's three Great Grandchildren were then born: Kaitlyn Fournier in 2015, Ellie Jo Kristjansson in 2018, and Rylie Fournier in 2019.

Joanne had Joe's third Grandchild, Kyle Arieta, in 1996 who is now engaged to Felicia Greco. In 2004 they met and welcomed Carlos Rebelo into their little family. In 2007 Joanne & Carlos were married and Nicole Rebelo became grandchild number four.  Joanne takes great pride in carrying on the tradition of singing the silliest songs loudly to anyone who will listen and laugh while doing it.

Joe treasured being a Papa, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa, as well as his close relationships with his brothers & sisters, aunts & uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews and many friends. He was a practical joker and absolutely adored the many nicknames and tricks that he came up with over the years. The deep chuckle and twinkle in his eyes that accompanied his antics is a lasting legacy and memory that those who knew him will hold close to their hearts forever.

If you would like to join the celebration of Joe's life, we will be having calling hours at Curtis Britch Funeral Home on 4670 Darling Hill Road in Derby, Vermont on Friday March 7, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Orleans, Vermont on Saturday March 8, 2025, at 11:00 am with Rev. Robert Murphy officiating a mass of Christian burial. Summer interment will be held at 10 A.M. on July 26, 2025 at St. Theresa's cemetery in Orleans with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, Joe's family has requested donations to a cause that he held dear to his heart please consider donating to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.