Joseph E. DESROCHERS

SACO - Joseph E. Desrochers, 80, of Wildwood Drive, passed away Friday morning, on April 15, 2005, at his residence.He was born on June 20, 1924, in Biddeford, a son of Albert and Violet Vachon Desrochers. Joseph graduated high school from Thornton Academy.In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and attended the Wentworth Institute. Joseph was aboard the USS Niobraro until 1946. He sailed to many seaports around the world, including the surrender and ceremony at Tokyo Bay, with the war with Japan in 1945.Mr. Desrochers was employed by Saco Lowell Shops for six years. He also worked for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 35 years, retiring in 1986. While at the shipyard, Joseph completed the apprentice program for four years and became an apprentice instructor. He also was a supervisor for 18 years of the planning and estimating department.He was a lifetime member of the Biddeford & Saco Country Club. Mr. Desrochers attended Most Holy Trinity Church.He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean F. Sinclair Desrochers of Saco; a son, Joseph E. Desrochers Jr. of Old Orchard Beach; a daughter, Bonnie Cote of Old Orchard Beach; two brothers, Albert Desrochers of Saco and Paul Desrochers of Scarborough; a sister, Eva Edwards of Salem, N.H.; four grandchildren, Chad and Tyson Desrochers, and Erik and Emily Cote; several nieces and nephews.Visiting hours will be from 2-4 p.m., Sunday from Cote Funeral Home, corner of Beach and James St., Saco. A funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m., Monday from Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday from Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.