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Obituaries

Joseph Anthony Gamache
Joseph Anthony Gamache

August 19, 1929 - July 10, 2019
Born in Detroit, MI
Resided in Michigan
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Obituary

Joseph Anthony Gamache passed away surrounded by his cherished family on July 10, 2019. Joe was born August 19, 1929 in Detroit, the son of Eileen (Godley) and Frank Gamache. St Gregory the Great Catholic Parish was the center of his early life. He graduated from the High School in 1947. From an early age music was an essential part of his life, piano lessons with his father Frank and then with the IHM nuns and during High School he began studying the Organ. After graduation Joe, enlisted in the army and served over four years. While at Walter Reed Army Hospital he served as a Chaplin’s Assistant and organist at the chapel on the grounds of the hospital. Returning to Detroit in 1952, he served as organist at Santa Maria in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit with a BA in Education. Later Joe received a Master Degree in English Literature, but his studies were on ongoing pursuit throughout his life. In the eighties, Joe and five of his children were taking classes at some college in Michigan.

Although he knew Pauline Bradley, since he was two years old and they had graduated in the same class from St. Gregory High School, they didn’t actually start dating until Joe returned home from the army. On August 27, 1955, Joseph Anthony married Pauline Marie Bradley. In September 1956 Joe began his teaching career in Oak Park, retiring in June 1992. Joe and Pauline moved to Southfield, their home in which they raised seven children was six houses from St. Bede Catholic Community where Joe served as the organist and choir director for over 25 years.

Joe was pre-deceased by his beloved son Kevin in 1990. Joe also lost his brother Frank. Joe is survived by his beloved wife Pauline and loving children Kathleen Gamache, Daniel Gamache (Susan), Maureen Steinhoff (Donald), Mary Wallace (John), John Gamache (Dawn), and Deirdre Mercer (Scott). 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren have blessed Joe’s life with joyful music and unconditional love. Joe is also survived by his cherished brother Lawrence Gamache and sister Mary Cobello. Joe was a mentor and a father figure for his many nieces and nephews, and for the friends of his children who considered 29239 Somerset their home too.

Music has been an essential part of Joe’s life. He was a founding member of the St. Bede Players and served as the music director and orchestra conductor. Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas were the first choice for the players. Productions included The Mikado, Trial by Jury, Pirates of Penzance, Gondoliers, Iolanthe, and Ruddigore. The Lathrup Youth Theatre, performed several original musicals composed by Joe and librettist Joanne Lamun. At Oak Park High School Joe, developed the Humanities program, integrating art, history, literature, and music in order to provide greater insight into world culture for his students. Joe also taught piano, guitar, and trained several organists.

Joe embraced his Catholic faith, after retiring he and Pauline were daily communicants. Wherever Joe attended mass he often volunteered to provide music accompaniment. Joe has served as an organist for 75 years. After retiring from St. Bede Catholic Community he volunteered at Villa Marie in Waterford and St. Therese of Lisieux.

For over thirty years, at least five weeks every summer the family resided in York Beach Maine, Joe’s little bit of heaven on earth. The roar of the crashing waves, the sound of the Nubble Lighthouse fog horn, and the sounds of children playing on Long Sands Beach was all the music Joe wanted to hear.

The most memorable travel adventure was his trip to Ireland shared with his beloved wife Pauline, sister-in-law Patt, daughter Kathleen and nieces Patt and Julie. Meeting cousins, visiting the homesteads of his mother and Pauline’s father, and visiting the grave sites of grandparents they had never met in life were just a few of the unforgettable places they visited.

The family will receive friends Friday 3-8 p.m. with Scripture Service at 7 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple and Big Beaver), 248-362-2500.

The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday 10 a.m. at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 48115 Schoenherr Rd., Shelby Twp. Visitation at church begins at 9:30 a.m.

~Lovingly Submitted by the Family~

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Visitation
A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home
2600 Crooks Road (btw Maple & Big Beaver)
Troy, MI US 48084
Friday, July 12, 2019
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Funeral Mass
St. Therese of Lisieux Parish
48115 Schoenherr Road
Shelby Township, MI US 48315
Saturday, July 13, 2019
10:00 AM
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