GRAFTON: Joseph W. Stines, 97, of Grafton passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on February 23, 2023.

Joe was born July 22, 1925 in Worcester, son of the late Agnes (Gearin) and Chester Stines. While his roots were in the city, his fondest memories were those spent near the Quabbin Reservoir with his grandparents where he learned to drive and acquired his strong work ethic.
Joe served his country early in life, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1943 after graduating from Commerce High School. He was active during World War II and the Korean War. Following his military service, he often flew his small plane out of the Grafton Airport. It was during this time that he met his future wife. They settled in Grafton in 1958 and raised their family. Joe had a lengthy career working as a switch technician for New England Telephone, where he maintained the Grafton office for over 30 years. In his free time, he worked hard to live by his “repair, never replace” philosophy. He helped family, friends, and neighbors as if his garage was always open for business. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family, ballroom dancing, vacationing to Aruba, Myrtle Beach, Cape Cod, and to the mountains of New Hampshire for snowmobiling in the winter months.

Joe is survived by his loving family: his children; Nancy Banks and her husband Michael, Daniel Stines, Carol Vulter and her husband James, and Jennifer Schofield and her partner Michael Murphy, his grandchildren; Melissa Banks, Kristen Robinson, Ryan Vulter, Andrea Vulter, Josie Schofield and Johnny Schofield, his great-grandchildren; Emma Vulter and Eliana Robinson, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris (Jordan), sister, Margaret McNamara, and grandson, Kevin Vulter.

All are welcome to gather with Joe’s family and friends Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester Street, N. Grafton, MA 01536. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 3, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Philip’s Church on West St. in Grafton. He will then be laid to rest with military honors at St. Philip’s Cemetery in Grafton. In lieu of flowers, please honor Joe with donations to the Grafton Food Bank, PO Box 324, Grafton, MA 01519. A Book of Memories to share a message with his family is available online at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com