Joseph E. Raad

Joseph E. Raad, 85 of Duxbury, formerly a resident of Sutton for 59 years, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, after a period of declining health.

Joseph was born in Worcester, the son of Joseph N. and Laura (Vautour) Raad. After living his early life in Worcester, Joseph was raised in Millbury and graduated from Millbury High School. After High School he attended Barber School in Boston and went on to operate his own Barber Shop in Millbury for over 30 years where he had the honor of providing a haircut for Chi-Chi Rodriquez. Joseph also owned and operated Raad’s Inn in Grafton which he enjoyed before accepting a position with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Turnpike Authority in administration. Not one to remain idle, Joe enjoyed his retirement years at Pleasant Valley Country Club where he worked part-time and made many friends.

Joe is survived by the family he so loved and his wife of 65 years and best friend Beverly (Abdella) and the four children he was so proud of: Laurie A. Nikopoulos and her husband Evangelos of Duxbury, Joseph M. Raad and his wife Caren of Sutton, Lisa M. Raad and her partner Paul Whiteside of Green Harbor, Michael J. Raad and his partner Kelly Royce of Whitinsville. Joe also leaves behind his two sisters, Eva Baroni, Rita Jezyk and her husband Danny of Sutton; four granddaughters he adored and who lovingly called him “Ghiddo,” Athina and her husband Erik, Christina and her husband Andrew, Nikki and her partner Ryan and Samira. He was also beyond fortunate to have had many wonderful moments with his great grandchildren who brought so much laughter and joy to his life; Ellyana, Tula, Melina, Leila, Maisie, Greyson and Addison. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family and truly wonderful friends. In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sisters, Barbara Marino and Joan Joubert, a brother Walter and twin great grandsons, Maxwell and Landon.

Joe’s true love besides his wife and family was Golf. He began playing golf in 1958, and played many golf courses within Massachusetts and the United States. He was a member at Whitinsville Country Club for many years. Much of his earlier years of golf were played at Clearview Golf Course in Millbury, and his final years of golf were played at North Hill Country Club in Duxbury, where he was a member. He loved taking his yearly trips to Myrtle Beach with his Golf Buddies, and his winter vacations to Marco Island and Sarasota with his family. He found peace and enjoyment on the golf course, gardening, doing his daily crossword puzzles and being with his family at home or traveling. Joe also enjoyed music, playing his Oud and Derbeke (Lebanese guitar and drum). Sunday mornings were Arabic Music mornings in the Raad House growing up. He also played piano, loved refurbishing antique cars, and loved to travel with his wife Beverly and family through much of the U.S. and Europe. The highlight of his travels was his dream trip to Beirut, Lebanon, the place where the Raad Family began.

 He was a committee member for a local chapter that supported St. Jude’s Hospital, and was a Millbury Old Timers Committee member. Of all his interests and achievements, there was nothing that Joe felt more important than his wife and family. He will be remembered as a hard working, loving father who gave his all to provide for his family, for his witty one-liners, and for being a true gentleman. He will be GREATLY missed by family and friends.

Funeral services and burial in Notre Dame Cemetery will be held privately. There will be a Celebration of Life Mass to be held at a future date and time. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Way, Memphis, TN. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. is honored to assist the family with arrangements.