DAMARISCOTTA — Joseph A. “Joe” Weber Jr., 71, passed away Feb. 2, 2017, in his sleep, from cancer, at Cove's Edge in Damariscotta. In recent years he had health setbacks, but always overcame them through medical care, his spirituality and his fellowship with others. Relationships were a major focus of his daily life.

He was born in Lynn, Mass., on June 6, 1945, to the late Eileen (Murphy) Weber and Joseph A. Weber Sr. Joe attended St. Pius V School and St. Mary's High School in Lynn. As a teenager he worked the counter at Gowan's drug store, where he perfected his mocha frappe. He was a major fan of the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics and Looney Tunes, especially Bugs Bunny. Music was always part of his life. He would always be excited to share a new album upon entering his apartment. Many jacket covers were read over the years. He attended many concerts with friends whenever the opportunity arose, and later took his daughters to an Arlo Guthrie concert.

An avid reader, Joe needed his Boston Globe, Boston Herald and the New York Times each and every day. In addition, he was a serial book reader, ready to engage in lively conversation about the latest book he was reading and/or politics. Joe spent time when he could, writing ideas and thoughts and he had many stories to share, including his cross-countries trip (U.S. and Canada) as a young man with Mortimer, the puppet.

Joe graduated from Salem State College (now Salem State University) in Salem, Mass., in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in education. He started his teaching career in 1969 in Lynn, Mass., teaching for the first few years of his career at both Breed Junior High School and Corbett Junior High School. Later he became the parent coordinator for the Title 3 program. He also worked as a planner for the Model Cities Program. Joe wrote a grant that led to the development of the Lynn Community Schools Program. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Aster Street Alternative School. These are just some of the contributions Joe made to the City of Lynn after graduating from Salem State.

Joe always went to the sea. He especially liked standing on the rocks watching the waves. He probably has been on nearly every rock outcropping from Nahant, Mass., to Rockland, Maine. He eventually followed his good friends, Sharon and Kevin McDermott, to Maine to live a quieter life and continue teaching. He taught 48 years, just two years shy of his goal to teach 50 years. Joe has touched many lives in all of his classrooms over his career. He has taught in several districts in the Midcoast Maine area, most recently at the Mid-Coast School of Technology in Rockland. At one point in his teaching career in Maine he was selected to go to Norman, Okla., for a week-long workshop for teachers at the National Storm Prediction Center. He was honored to be selected and very excited for the opportunity to learn more about weather and climate.

Joe was predeceased by his sister, Maryellen (Weber) Smith; and his nephew, Thomas Martin. Joe is survived by his two daughters, Kiara Weber and Kelsey Weber; his niece, Ruthann Martin-Rehrmann and her husband, Jim Martin-Rehrmann, of Florence, Mass.; his nephew, Skipper Martin; and his niece, Jodi Martin; his great-nephew, Matthew; and his great-nieces Shawna and Sarah, all of Beverly, Mass.; his great-nieces Reena Paradis and her husband, Nick, Emma Martin-Rehrmann; and his great-great nephews, Evan and Cameron; and his great-great niece, Lauren. Joe also leaves his ex-wife, Kerry, of Bremen, Maine; and his former brother-in-law, Donald Martin of Lynn, Mass.; and many close friends, colleagues and students. Joe always had a cat or two share his life with him, and he leaves his beloved cats, Henry and Prudence, in the good care of his daughter, Kelsey.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, Feb. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hall's of Boothbay, 975 Wiscasset Road in Boothbay. A celebration of Joe's life will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m., also at Hall's of Boothbay, with the Rev. Bob Dorr officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service.

Donations in Joe's memory may be made to: The Alex X. Goode Scholarship Fund at The First Bank, 223 Main Street, P.O. Box 940, Damariscotta, ME 04543; 207-563-3195, (donations may be made at any First Bank location by mentioning the fund name), or My Brother's Table, 98 Willow Street, Lynn, MA 01901; 781-595-3224.

Hall's of Boothbay has care of the arrangements.