Joseph "Joe" M. Schilke, 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning surrounded by his family. Joe leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Carol, his daughter Julia Nelson her husband Jeff Nelson and their children Joel, Hannah and TJ, his daughter Maureen Calderon, his son Paul Schilke and wife Kim Schilke and their children Emily and Aaron, his daughter Joanna Iacovelli and her husband Jeff Iacovelli and their daughter, Sophia. He also leaves behind his brother Conrad Schilke and his wife Nancy, a niece, his nephews and his beloved grand kitty, Kiki. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Lee Calderon.

Joe was born in Middletown, CT and graduated from UConn with a degree in History. While in college, he also graduated from the officer candidate program and was soon stationed in France. He and Carol were married in France and had their first child, Julia. Joe served as an officer in the military police in France, Korea and the southern states. After serving in the Army, he worked as an insurance safety consultant, an automobile mechanic and managed the copy center in Stratus Computers.

Joe loved any type of engine and had numerous tractors, snow-mobiles and mopeds that he could be found tinkering with at almost any time of the day. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, taking trips to Florida and traveling by train to California and Minnesota. He loved theater and was actively involved in the theatrical group, the St. James players, in the 1980's. Aside from his many interests, Joe also was a proficient skater and excellent marksman.

Once retired, Joe pursued his interest of history as he volunteered as the curator at the Grafton Historical Society. He was a Patriots, Red Sox and Jimmy Buffet fan. He loved gardening and fixing just about anything that needed fixing.

Joe had an enormous sense of humor with one of his favorite sayings being, "As you wander on through life, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole."

Joe will be sorely missed by his family and friends. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. A Book of Memories to share a special message with his family is available online at Roney Funeral Home - North Grafton MA