Joseph E. Law, age 86, a lifelong resident of Haverhill, died Sunday afternoon, September 14, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at the Hannah Duston Healthcare Center, Haverhill.
Mr. Law was born in Haverhill on April 1, 1922, the son of the late James E. and Mary (Caputo) Law. He attended St. James School, Haverhill, and was graduated from St. James High School.
He is a Veteran of World War II, having enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940. He received Presidential Citations for bravery and gallantry for his efforts during the War throughout the South Pacific, Northern Solomon Islands, and Guadalcanal with the Americal Division. He was always very proud of his service to his Country. Recently, he was volunteering his time by being present at War and Veteran Memorial Dedications in Haverhill and throughout the area. He was also active with the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry, South Pacific Buddies Association.
Upon being Honorably Discharged in 1945, Mr. Law returned to Haverhill and joined the Haverhill Fire Department as a Firefighter for several years. Following his employment with the City, he began working locally in the meat industry. He worked as a meat cutter for over 40 years and retired from Lionel Lavallee Co., Inc., Haverhill.
Mr. Law was the husband of the late Eileen R. (Clohecy) Law for 60 years until her passing on November 24, 2006. They met years prior to him enlisting in the service, but married soon after he returned from the War. They were married on September 30, 1945 in their home Parish of St. James Church, Haverhill, the Church where they received all their Sacraments.
He was very active and healthy through this past summer.
Mr. Law enjoyed Classical and Opera Music, astronomy, the beach and ocean, boating, and, for many years, camping. He was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots sports fan. Always passionate about reading, he continued his own education throughout his life by reading books. Mr. Law also recorded his war stories for his family and for a program on Haverhill Community Television with Haverhill Attorney Jay Cleary. Most of all, he greatly enjoyed the time spent with his family and grandchildren.
He was a lifelong member of St. James Church, Haverhill, and the American Legion, Wilbur M. Comeau Post No. 4, Haverhill.
When Mr. Law passed on Sunday, in addition to being surrounded with family, he was also with his lifelong friend, Mr. George M. Gogas, of Haverhill. These men were childhood friends, both parishioners of St. James Church. They attended school with each other, were in the Service together, and always remained close.
He is survived by his children, Sally A. Contis and her husband Lewis G. of Lowell, Judith E. Metaxopoulos and her husband Michael of Lowell, Paula L. Provencher and her husband Raymond P. of Haverhill, and Joseph E. Law, Jr. and his longtime girlfriend Celeste M. Perry of Haverhill; two grandchildren, Michael Metaxopoulos, Jr. and his fiancée Sophia Dovlentis of Lowell and Alyssa Metaxopoulos and her fiancé Ryan Dillon of Lowell; three great-grandchildren, Xeni, Viana, and Micah; sister, Sheila A. Sarto of Haverhill; sister and brothers in-law, Lorraine Law, Mary Davis, and Charles Barry; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Raymond Law, James Law, Catherine Godbout, and Mary Barry.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning, September 19, 2008 in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, at 9:00 a.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. James Church, 185 Winter Street, Haverhill, at 10:00 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, Primrose Street, Haverhill.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 18, in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited.
Contributions in Mr. Law's memory may be made to the City of Haverhill, c/o Veterans Services Dept., 10 Welcome Street, Haverhill, MA 01830, for the Veterans Street Plaque program.