Joseph Reed Van Buren, 70, of Torrington, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2019 in the comfort of his home. He was born September 21, 1949 in Amsterdam, New York to Joseph Blanchard and Marion Van Buren.
He married his wife of 35 years Gail Ann Montgomery on December 29, 1984. Together they have three children and four grandchildren. The family greatly enjoyed the outdoors through many camping trips, and Joe took a lot of pride in teaching their children to hunt and fish. Joe’s grandchildren were the light of his life and they were always delighted to find candies tucked away in the pockets of his flannel shirt – it had become a favored tradition.
Joe was a very skilled mason and carpenter even long after his retirement from the trades. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, hunting, fishing and archery. His love for NASCAR was ever present, he always found a way to watch or listen to the race on Sundays – that was his church.
A proud Marine, Joe served four years, spending 13 months in Vietnam and truly believed in the motto “Once a Marine, always a Marine”. As a decorated veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Joe was a very proud American, always flying an American Flag. Even on camping trips, the first part of camp set-up was always the flagpole, rain or shine, day or night.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents.. He is survived by his wife Gail, of Torrington, children Bryan (Stefanie), Aaron (Julia), and Kathryn “Katie” (William) Brummond; and his four grandchildren Kaycee, Kolby, Hayden, and Karter Van Buren, all of Laramie, WY. He is also survived by his siblings, Andrew Jr., Marc, Dale, and Terri Loveland of Otego, New York.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the VFW Post 2221, in Laramie WY, with the Reverend Rhett Ivey, officiating; and with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps and the Laramie Veterans Honor Guard.
We are so sorry for your loss. - Don & Toni Candelaria
Thank you—Gail
Dru and I send our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you Gail. Time spent with Joe was always filled with a story about hunting or cars, of course is smile and laughter were contagious. Rest in peace Joe❤️
My sincerest condolences. I always enjoyed Joe during his New York visits....he sure was full of life especially when he was with his brother Dale and sister Teri. My thoughts and prayers are with all that knew and love Joe, I am grateful for his service to our country. May he Rest In Peace.
Condolences and love you guys. Robin Brown, Frank and Alex.
Thank you —Gail
Sorry for your loss.
Thank you —Gail
Dear brother Joe. I'm sure gonna miss our loong talks on the phone. I know the past couple of years have been a bit fragile but that doesn't mean that I never stopped thinking about you everyday. I'm hoping we will meet again in the kingdom of God. May God bless you, I love you
Thank you —Gail
Thank you—Gail
Travel at God's speed lite my brother always in my mind and memories joe tell everybody I say hello I'll see you on the other side
Thank you—Gail Van Buren
R.I P BROTHER MAY THE ANGLES FLY WITH YOU
Thank you —Gail Van Buren
Joe was a great guy.last time I seen Joe was camp lejuine nc.1969. he was just coming back from Vietnam. RIP brother semperfi.
Thank you—Gail. Van Buren
Sorry for your loss of Joe. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you - Love from all the Montgomery family Allen, Lorraine,Kyle,Travis and Connor
Thank you—Gail. Van Buren
Thank you—Gail Van Buren
Joe R.I.P. my brother we have had our ups and downs but always stuck together. U will be missed by so many U will always be in my heart. I wish U could of came back home like U wanted to before U left us so early . But I want to say I love u and gonna miss our phone calls together.
Thank you —Gail Van Buren
Sorry to hear, Joe was a nice guy was always in a good mood fun type of person Jesus always takes the good people ?
Thank you—Gaul Van Buren
Thinking of you guys with positive thoughts. Hulit Family
Thank you—Gail Van Buren