CHINA -- Joseph M. Grant, age 70, of China, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2009, at the MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit in Waterville.

Joe was born Jan. 13, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Gerald and Grace (Klein) Grant.

Joe and Judy moved to China from Connecticut in 1976 where the happily raised three children. Joe was a retired structural and ornamental ironworker of Local 424 in New Haven, Conn., for more than 40 years following in the footsteps of his dad and brother. He enjoyed building model boats, fishing, boating and hosting barbecues for the family and extended family on the weekends.

You could always tell Joe was home when the garage door was open and Fats Domino music was pouring out. Needless to say there will be an emptiness in the lives of his entire family and everyone who knew him.

Joe was best friend and devoted husband to Judy (Lawrence) Grant for 48 years, and loving and devoted Dad to Scott R. Grant and his wife, Tisha, of Albion, Kelly M. (Grant) Fisher and her husband, Bob, of Belgrade, Shannon R. (Grant) Garland and her husband, Carlton, of Waterville, and proud Papa to six grandchildren, Melissa and Nick Grant, Emily and Geo Browning, Shane and Sarah Garland; and great-grandfather to Lillian Olsen. Uncle Joe will be missed by many nieces, nephews and their families. Joe also leaves behind fun and loving memories with his sisters-in-law Patricia Grant of Wallingford, Conn., Carol Pelletier and her partner, Tom Siviski, of Vassalboro, and Sheila Pepoli of China, and brother-in-law Jim Lawrence and his wife, Charlene, of Oakland.

A memorial service in honor of Joe will take place at 11 a.m. June 25 at Notre Dame Church on Silver Street in Waterville.

Honorary pallbearers are Jim Lawrence of Oakland, Raymond Lawrence of Hartland, Mark Lawrence of Norridgewock, Terry Hughes of Rome, Patrick Lavallee of Winslow and Michael McLeod of Naugatuck, Conn.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.