ROCKLAND — Joseph John Pietroski Sr., 93, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2016, at the Sussman House in Rockport.

Joseph was born March 14, 1923, in Rockland, the son of Jennie (Dyer) of Matinicus Island and Boleslaw Louis Pietroski, who emigrated from Plonsk Chanow, Poland, in 1904.

Joe was a devout communicant of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Rockland, where he served on the Parish Council, was a Eucharist minister and lector, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

A talented athlete, Joe played football in high school and enjoyed running and swimming. He was also an accomplished singer, who sang in school and church choirs.

After graduating from Rockland High School in 1941, Joe was employed briefly at Britto's Grocery and the Paramount Restaurant. In October 1941, Joe began attending mechanic trade school in Kingston, R.I., until World War II began. In 1942, Joe worked as a machinist in Providence, R.I., making gun mounts for Navy boats. Joe returned home in 1943 to Rockland, where he was employed by Snow's Shipyard. On December 30, 1943, Joe married the love of his life, Louise Seavey Pietroski. Joe was an extremely caring and devoted husband until his passing.

Joseph owned and operated Pietroski's Mobil Station on Main Street in Thomaston from 1944 until his retirement for health reasons in 1980. Joe's station was a local Thomaston gathering spot, where his many friends and acquaintances frequented and shared stories. All of Joe's sons worked at the garage, as well as his nephew, Fred Thayer. In recognition of Joe's 37 years in business, the Thomaston Chamber of Commerce said, "If any young man would choose anyone as a model to live by, Joe would be it. Joe has been obedient to his parents, good to his family and honest with everyone. I think everyone in town knows Joe and knows this about him."

Following his retirement and better health, Joe spent many years giving back as a volunteer. For many years, his love of community led him to help ensure the beauty of Rockland by watering the plants on Main Street each morning.

A special place for Joe, and his wife, Louise was the soup kitchen at St. Bernard's, where they volunteered for over 16 years. Additionally, he was a very active member of the Mid-Coast Retired Senior Volunteer Program and also served on the RSVP Advisory Board. His RSVP volunteer activities were extensive and included serving as a certified tax preparer in the VITA program, serving as a volunteer driver for the Coastal Transportation program driving cancer patients to and from their treatments, and serving as an outreach worker with the Home Energy Fuel Assistance Program.

An extremely proud father and grandfather, Joe enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in youth sporting events and other school activities whenever possible. When Joe's four sons were young, he became involved in the City's and District's Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs, serving as coach, president and manager. Joe gave more than 20 years to providing area youngsters with the opportunity to enjoy the experience of playing baseball.

Joe's love of the outdoors led to sharing the enjoyment of hiking, including numerous trips up Mount Washington, camping, swimming, skiing, canoeing, sailing, and boating and fishing with his children and grandchildren.

After his retirement, Joe and Louise traveled extensively around the country. They loved America, but never considered any place other than Rockland home.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; and five siblings, including his sisters, Evelyn Spofford and Helen Pelletier; and his brothers, Frank, Thomas and Paul Pietroski. This family's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren now form an extensive family throughout our nation and the world.

Joe is survived by his wife of 72 years, Louise Pietroski; his sons, Joseph Pietroski Jr. and his wife, Doris, of Winthrop, Donald Pietroski and his wife, Anne, of Thomaston, Robert Pietroski and his wife, Laurie, of Falmouth, and John Pietroski and his life partner, Donna Walsh, of Strong; his grandchildren, Peter, Matthew, Brian, Kara and her husband, Jake Hall, Kristin, Andrew and his wife, Angela, Jenny, Molly, Michael, Thomas and Daniel; and his great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Elias Joseph. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. Private interment will be held at a later date.

Gifts in Joe's memory may be made to St. Bernard's Soup Kitchen or a charity of one's choice

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home.