Obituary: Joseph F. Bickford

Joseph F. Joe Bickford, 72, a resident of Easton for the past 42 years, died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. He was the husband of Elizabeth Beth (Dempsey) Bickford for 52 years.

Born in Boston, March 14, 1941, a son of the late Charles and Helen (O'Neil) Bickford, he was raised in Roxbury and was a graduate of Jamaica Plain High School. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he served during peacetime.

Upon discharge from the U.S. military he began working as an installer and was a member of the Floor Coverers Local Union 2168 of Boston, having served as past president of the Union, he was recently honored for 50 years of service with the union. He also worked as an installer for Contract Flooring which is owned by his children.

A third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 238 of Easton, he enjoyed traveling to Orlando, Fla. during the winter and his hobbies included bowling, swimming and playing golf at Pine Oaks Golf Course of Easton.

In addition to his wife Beth, he leaves four children, Josephof Raynham, Troy of Berkley, Kevin of Easton and Laura Roberto Bickford of Easton; brother of Charles Bickford of Weymouth, Donald Bickford of Braintree, Paul Bickford of Bourne, Mildred Quigley of Tenn., Marion Lavey of Bridgewater, Kay Raftry of Bourne and the late Leonard Bickford, Shirley Camillo, Howard Bickford and Helen Kinnally; grandfather of Eric, Kristen, Stacey, C.J., Matthew, Daniel, Alex, Austin, Drew, and Jake; great grandfather of Cassidy, Brianna, Cailey, Hope, Paige, and Natalie; also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral was held from Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 605 Washington Street (Rte. 138), Easton, Thursday, Sept., 19, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in the Holy Cross Church, Easton, at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors followed in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Easton. Visiting hours were Wednesday from 4-8 p.m.

Donations in Joe's memory may be sent to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation MA/RI Chapter, 220 North Main Street, Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760, or to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. For directions or condolences, www.kanefuneralhome.com.