Joseph A. Beland, 87, of North Oxford died Wednesday August 30, 2017 after an illness surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph was born and raised in Worcester son of the late Alphonse and Gladys (Stapleton) Beland. He attended Sacred Heart School after which he enlisted in the United States Army and served proudly during the Korean War. Joe suffered multiple wounds from action and received the Purple Heart for his actions of bravery.

Upon his discharge from the service he was employed as a machinist at Wyman-Gordon, Grafton for several years. He left there and joined UPS, Shrewsbury as a truck driver for the New England area, where he retired from after 40 years. He received various safe driving awards, including the prestigious UPS One Milllion Miles Achievement Award.

Joe’s passion was flying, and after obtaining his pilot license, several family and friends shared happy excursions around the area. Playing cards with friends and watching football were a couple of his other favorites, as well as teaching tricks to and walking with his buddy Cocoa.

He leaves his beloved wife of 26 years, Pauline A. (Gonya) Beland; two sons, James J. Beland of Arizona and Andrew S. Beland of Southborough; two daughters, Gail E. Johnson of Charlton and Karen M. Beland-Bartkiewicz of Shrewsbury; two step-sons, Roger J. Rock , Jr., of Sutton and John R. Rock of North Oxford; a step-daughter, Robin J. Paradis of Florida; four sisters, Lorraine A. Berthiaume of Ocala, FL, Joan Hicks of Auburn, Barbara A. Faford and Linda M. Faford both of Charlton; also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his first wife Nancy M. (Chalker); a brother, Harry A. Beland; a sister, Theresa Robichaud and a step-son, Philip Rock.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Joe’s family on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 9:30-11:00 am in the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. A service honoring his life will begin at 11:00 am. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.