HINGHAM, Mass. – Joseph V. Tanous, 76, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, surrounded by love at New England Sinai Hospital, Stoughton, Mass. Joe was born March 11, 1933, in Van Buren, where he was raised, the fifth of eight beloved sons of the late Thomas and Alice (Shalala) Tanous. He graduated from Van Buren Boys High School in 1951 and soon thereafter, joined and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as radioman, handling code and classified messaging on the USS CK Bronson DD-668. After his discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1955, Joe enjoyed a long career in communications with Western Union, Boston, as traffic chief which included many years of assignments covering the games in the press box for the Boston Red Sox and later Honeywell Security. He served decades as an officer for Knights of Columbus, Hingham, Mass., was an usher at St. Paul Parish Church, Hingham, Mass., and lector at Marist Church, Boston. He also served as president and board member for Alex Tanous Foundation. During his retirement, Joe volunteered at Abigail Adams Center for Alzheimer’s Care for Hingham Seniors and at town events, and was a yearly participant of Hingham Citizen Police Academy program. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years, Evangeline (Picard) Tanous. He was the beloved father of daughter, Karen Tanous of Hyannis, Mass.; son, Paul Tanous and wife, Brenda, of Kingston, Mass.; and daughter, Susan Tanous of South Weymouth, Mass. Also survived by his loving grandchildren, Lana, Trevor and Kirstyn Tanous; brother, Wakine Tanous, Esq. of East Millinocket; brother, Thomas Tanous and sister-in-law, Esther, of Wenham, Mass.; sisters-in-law, Marcia Tanous Farr of Portland and Cynthia Tanous Marx of Ocean Park; sisters-in-law, Anne Marie Daigle, Lorraine Picard both of Edmundston, New Brunswick, and Florianne Picard of Ontario; many nieces and nephews. Joe was also predeceased by five brothers, Dr. Alexander Tanous, Nolan Tanous, Nagel Tanous, Charles Tanous and David Tanous. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a memorial Mass for a celebration of Joe’s life 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at St. Paul Parish Church, 147 North St., Hingham, Mass., with the Rev. James F. Rafferty officiating. The immediate family will receive guests one hour prior to the Mass in the church.
JOSEPH V. TANOUS
