Joe was born on July 1, 1958, in Laredo, Texas. He attended many schools around the U.S. and Europe including in Germany, New Mexico, Indiana, Alabama and Missouri. As a young man Joe loved to read and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
After graduating high school he joined the U.S. Navy in 1977 and soon after married his wife, Miriam “Mary” Kinnard in 1982. Throughout his naval career he served as a member of multiple P3 Orion Air Squadrons at the Brunswick Naval Air Station including VP26, VP8 and VP11 where he retired after 20 years of service. After retiring Joe worked as a government contractor for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. In his busy career he also found the time to earn a bachelor’s degree at Central Maine Community College in Auburn and was working toward his master’s.
Joe was the type of person to always have a smile on, even at life’s toughest moments. He loved his family, especially his wife, Mary. He loved the beach, family parties, reading, watching sci-fi movies and vacationing with his family.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 202 in Topsham.
Joe will be sadly missed by his wife Miriam Kinnard, mother Maria (Bea) Canen, father Robert Canen, son Edward Melville and his wife Megan Melville, and daughter Bonni Melville and her partner Michael McDonald, along with many other loving family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held in Joe’s honor on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bath Area Senior Center, 45 Floral St., Bath.
Letters of condolences and/or cards may be sent to Joe’s wife at 24 Munroe Lane, Topsham, ME 04086.
Donations in Joe’s memory may be sent to CHANS Home Health Care, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011.
To express your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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