Joseph A. Lynch

Joseph A. Lynch September 4, 1911 ? October 19, 2007 Joseph A. Lynch, 96, a long-time resident of Lawrence, Mass., died peacefully on Friday, October 19, at the Nevins Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre in Methuen, Mass., surrounded by family members and his dedicated caregivers. He was the husband of the late Ezilda (Cunha) Lynch. The son of the late James A. and Addie R. (Gilleo) Lynch, he was born in Andover, Mass., on September 4, 1911. He graduated from Punchard High School in 1929 and attended Burdett Business College. Mr. Lynch worked at the Pacific Mills in Lawrence for many years before joining Fraser Sorting & Grading Company. He later worked in Boston from 1955 until his retirement in 1976 as office manager for the Merino Wool Co. and later for Robert Reiser & Co. In support of his wife Ezilda?s Portuguese heritage, Mr. Lynch was active in the Portuguese American Civic League in Lawrence and at one time served as its treasurer. He was also an active member of the Men?s Guild of Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen, while his daughters were students there. Mr. Lynch received a certificate of appreciation in 1995 from the Whitman Street Neighborhood Group for his outstanding service in improving the life of the neighborhood. Over sixty members of his family reunited to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2001 where he was presented with congratulatory wishes from State Senator Susan Tucker, Congressman Marty Meehan, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and President George Bush. Mr. Lynch is survived by daughters Paula L. Keogh and her husband Richard, of Providence, R.I., and June M. Black and her husband Stephen, of Lawrence. He leaves four granddaughters and their families: Sarah E. Keogh and her partner David F. Roeder, of Cranston, R.I.; Megan C. Keogh and her husband Aaron H. Krajewski, of Portland, Maine; Theresa M. Taft and her husband, Dr. Drew H. Taft, of Revere, Mass.; and April S. Black, of Washington, D.C. He also leaves two beautiful great-granddaughters who will miss their ?Papa Joe? very much, Alexandra Keogh and MacKenzie Roeder. The oldest of 10 children, Mr. Lynch was predeceased by brothers James, Maurice, John, Francis, Leo, and Richard Lynch, and by sisters Rita Guthrie, Mary Kolodgy, and Jane King. He is also survived by an extended family including sister-in-law Joyce Lynch of Andover, brothers-in-law Manuel C. Cunha of Lawrence and Frank Kolodgy of Andover, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Arrangements: Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, October 23rd, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury St. in Lawrence for more information or to send online condolences go to www.breenfuneralhome.com. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 24th, at 10:30AM at Corpus Christi Parish, 35 Essex St., Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be made to The Nevins Family of Services, 10 Ingalls Court, Methuen, Mass., 01844.