Joseph "Joe" Peters' Obituary
Joseph I. Peters – Salem, NH In loving Memory May 27, 1955 – July 31, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph I. Peters, a beloved father, brother, and friend who passed away after a lengthy illness on July 31, 2025, at the age of 70.
Joe was born on May 27, 1955, in Lawrence, MA, to the late Joseph and Lorraine (Chaisson) Peters. Joe grew up in Bellingham, MA, and attended The Academy of the Assumption in Wellesley, MA, as well as Bellingham Public Schools. He graduated from Bellingham High in1973. Joe moved to the Merrimac Valley Area in the late 70’s. He attended and graduated from Salem State College in 1990 with a degree in Social Services. He worked as a social worker for many years in the Greater Lawrence area. Joe moved to Salem, NH, in the 1990’s where he resided until his passing.
Joe was diagnosed at a young age with a progressive disease called Friedreichs Ataxia which progressively damaged his nervous system. Despite the gradual progression and loss of his extremities, Joe continued to be independent for years. When his walking began to fail, he used a mobility scooter. He could be seen scooting around the town with his young son at the time, Tyler Peters. They would often scoot over to the Field of Dreams to watch the concert on Thursday nights. Joe attended Rockingham Christian Church in Salem. During this time, he formed a relationship with the Pastor, Tom Gerdts. Tom took Joe under his wing and was helpful to him in so many ways.
Joe was a music lover and in his younger days he played the saxophone. He especially loved country music. Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash were a few of his favorites. He enjoyed attending concerts and festivals and would travel in his van all over New England.
When Joe’s illness progressed and prevented him from living independently, he transitioned to Salemhaven Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he spent the last four and a half years of his life. The staff and residents became family to Joe. They loved him and he loved them. Joe could be heard singing in the hallways at all times of the day. He could recite lyrics like nobody’ s business. Some of the folks would refer to him as “Singing Joe”. He was a happy guy with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.
Joe formed a special bond with Haven’s Chaplain, Benoit Thibault. He referred to Ben as his best friend. Thanks to Benoit, Joe got to attend a Lauren Daigle concert, which brought him great joy. He talked about it for months.
Joe loved to laugh and have fun. He enjoyed reminiscing about the good old days with family and friends. His proudest moment of late was attending his son Tyler’s wedding to his beautiful wife Olivia.
After a long battle by this tough warrior, Joe peacefully left this world, knowing that he would be joining his mum and dad in Heaven. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving son, Tyler and his wife, Olivia, his siblings Donna Upchurch, Bryan Peters, Scott Peters, Sheila Hunt, Lynn Tisbert , their prospective spouses, step-daughters, Tasha, Ashley, and Marcy Pride, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and his beloved Aunty Pauline (Lemarier) Dalton.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Salemhaven Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hospice workers, Salem EMT, and all those who went above and beyond for Joe and the family. You all touched his heart in so many ways.
Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours, on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00PM, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. Joe’s Funeral Service will take place the following day, Tuesday, August 12, at 11:00 AM at Pollard Funeral Home.
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to care for the Peters family during this time of sadness and celebration.
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