Joseph F. Corliss, Sr., 86
Dateline: Attleboro, MA
Joseph F. Corliss, Sr., 86 of Attleboro formerly of Mansfield died on Monday February 15, 2010 after a period of declining health at the Golden Living Center in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth M. (Farrell) Corliss who passed away on May 19, 1971.
Born in Boston, MA on July 29, 1923 he was a son of the late Thomas C. and Mary B. (Whelan) Corliss.
Raised in Dorchester, Joe graduated from high school in 1941, and turned his love of automobiles into a career. As an auto mechanic, Joe worked for several trucking companies in Boston, and became a long haul tractor trailer driver.
He and his wife Betty had seven children, and moved to Mansfield in 1961. After the death of his wife, Joe and 4 of his children moved to Vacaville, California, where they resided for 5 years.
Joe loved to travel, and en route to California, he and his children visited many vacation spots, including Carlsbad Caverns, Yosemite National Park, and hiking into the Grand Canyon.
After settling in Vacaville, Joe and his brother Tom operated their own truck repair business for several years. He enjoyed living near San Francisco, and took his children too many events in the city, always making time for a ride on the world famous cable cars.
Joe had a lifelong love of trolleys and trains, and sat on the Board of Directors of the Seaside Trolley & Train Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. In the course of his travels, Joe visited several countries including Germany, Finland and Ireland. In Ireland, he was able to visit the birthplaces of his parents, attended a family wedding and spent several weeks touring the country.
After retiring he moved to Maui, Hawaii and lived there for several years, returning to Massachusetts after his health began to decline.
He is survived by his devoted children Barbara Bailey of Bardstown, KY, Elizabeth Corliss of Attleboro, Patricia Estrella of Attleboro, Claire Coulombe of Raynham, Deborah Corliss, Theresa Oldham of Bellingham and Joseph F. Corliss, Jr. of Attleboro. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Francis Corliss, Thomas Corliss, Mary Corliss and Rita Evans.
Memorial services, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Friday February 19th at 11:00 A.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home 55 North Main St. Mansfield.
Visiting hours have been omitted and private burial will take place at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com