Joseph Edward Dwyer, age 74, died peacefully in his sleep at the V.A. Hospital in West Roxbury on January 2, 2015. Joe was born in Boston, MA , the son of the late Gertrude Dwyer, and was a lifetime Malden resident. Upon leaving Malden Voc-Tech High School, he became a member of The Cambridge Caballeros, a circuit of the Eastern MA Drum and Bugle Corps. Joe was a horn player under the tutelage of the late Al Saia, and was an active member of the Corps from 1957-1962. His participation was highlighted by competing in the VFW U.S. Championship in Miami in 1962. The Cambridge Caballeros have the distinction of being the first Drum and Bugle Corps to play with Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell. p In 2002, Joe received the MA Drum and Bugle Corps Hall of Fame Directors Award. A veteran of the US Army, Joe specialized in single engine airplane mechanics. Having achieved the rank of SP4, Joe served three years active duty followed by three years in the Reserves. A long time member of the American Leigon Post 69 in Malden, Joe was also a member of the Lt. Norman Prince VFW in Melrose. Joe's dedication to veterans was evident by his long hours of volunteer work, being nominated for Volunteer of the Year in 2006 by the Veterans Administration Facility in Bedford, MA, helping hospitalized veterans leave the grounds for outdoor excursions. A long time truck driver, it made Joe happy to conclude his driving career transporting children with special needs. A fan of all things Norman Rockwell, Joe would often be seen making the trek out to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, where he would purchase the annual Christmas ornament for a long time friend, as he had done for 29 years. Joe loved cooking, and was often seen manning the grill at the Ward 5 annual 4th of July cookout. A great sense of humor, Joe's laugh was as big as his heart. He was loved by all who knew him, and will be missed by many. Visiting hours will be held at the A.J. Spadafora Funeral Home 865 Main St., Malden on Saturday January 10th from 1:00-4:00pm. A service will be held during the visitation at 2:30pm. Friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's name may be made to The Malden Senior Center. 7 Pleasant Street. Malden, MA 02148. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery in Bourne at a later date.