BELFAST — Joseph G. Stearns, husband of Marilyn Stearns, died Jan. 15, 2016. He was born Jan. 18, 1934, in South Milwaukee, Wisc., the son of George and Philomena Stearns.

Joe joined the Marine Corp in 1950. He served in Korea with the famous 5th Marine Regiment from March 1952 to April 1954. While there as an infantryman, he was awarded two Purple Heart decorations for wounds he received. After his discharge in 1959, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Plymouth State College. He then received his Certificate of Advanced Study in School Administration from the University of Maine. Joe was a retired school administrator and personnel employee for the State of Maine.

He was predeceased by both parents; and four siblings. Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn Stearns of Belfast; his sons, Christopher Stearns and his partner, Anya, of Sparta, N.J., and Gregory Stearns and his wife, Wendy, of Monroe; four grandchildren, Caitlin, Julian, Karl and Wyatt; and his dog, Lacy.

A private burial will be held at Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.

Those who wish may make contributions in Joe's memory to Waldo County Oncology Department, P.O. Box 287, Belfast, ME 04915. Special thanks to Dr. Connelly and the Oncology staff.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.