Joseph “Joe” Petley

It is with great sadness that the family of Stanley Joseph “Joe” Petley announces his passing in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 28th, at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Joe was born on April 20th, 1946, in Minto, New Brunswick. In his early years, he enjoyed working alongside his family in their delivery business in St. Stephen, a time filled with many stories and fond memories. In later years, he worked a variety of general construction jobs. Joe was strong willed and deeply grounded, qualities that helped him build a life he was genuinely proud of. He was a devoted family man who loved his wife Rena and his children, Polly and Stan, deeply, and always beamed with pride over their accomplishments. He was a very loving grandfather to his grandchildren, Brennen and Lucy, and spoke about them constantly.

In retirement, Joe could often be found cheering for his beloved Patriots during football season or for Dale Earnhardt Jr. during NASCAR races. He loved listening to bluegrass music, especially during the McNeill family singalongs, and sharing banter with the friends and family he held so dear. He especially loved his spaghetti with Rena’s homemade sauce, always served at 6:00 p.m. (sharp!) every Wednesday. Joe was a strong believer in Christ, and Christmas was his favourite time of year. He had an abundant spirit and made the season especially meaningful for his family. Joe often said that his best years were spent at the family camp in Coles Island, where he loved life and felt most himself among family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, campfires, and games of Chase the Ace. These simple pleasures were what mattered most to him. Joe would also say that he never had much luck, but his children would strongly disagree and believe him to be the luckiest man ever - especially for having met and shared his life with their mother.

Joe will be greatly missed by his daughter Polly (John), his son Stan (Shannon), his grandson Brennen, and his precious granddaughter Lucy, as well as his loving sister Lanore his brother Ron, whom he looked forward to seeing every Friday, his youngest sister, Margaret and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beautiful and loving wife Rena, and in his final days wished only to be reunited with her.

Joe requested no formal service or reception. A private graveside service for the family will be held in the spring