Joseph Normand Ares

Joseph Normand Ares, 87, of Winchendon, died peacefully Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in his home surrounded by his family after an illness.

Born in Gardner on August 23, 1935, he was the son of the late Orian J. and Marie Louise (Lajoie) Ares. He received his GED from Gardner High School and an Associate of Science Degree in Sanitation from Quinsigamond Community College. Joe was a United States Navy Vietnam War Veteran serving from 1956 to 1968, where he received the National Defense Service Medal and three Good Conduct Medals. He was the President and CEO of Narragansett Engineering Services for 28-years prior to his retirement. He was previously the Board of Health Director for the City of Gardner for 17-years.

Joe was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish/ Holy Spirit Chapel of Gardner. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to go hunting and ice fishing. Joe also enjoyed traveling in his motor home with his late wife Phyllis, flying, cooking, and eating. He had huge love for dogs and leaves behind his very beloved dog Bella. Joe's greatest joy was when he was with his family, treasuring all the moments they had together throughout the years.

Joe is survived by two sons, Ross A. Ares of Gardner, and David M. Ares of Eckerty, IN; four daughters, Karen M. Ufnal and her husband Michael of Milford, NH, Maureen T. Ruel and her husband Lenny of Winchendon, Julie L. Ares and her significant other Francis Rich of Rochester, NH, and Kelley J. Bennett and her husband Craig of Gardner; fourteen grandchildren, Faith, Courtney, Alan, Stephen, Stephanie, Tausha, Emily, Brittany, Jeffery, Maddie, Stevie, Amber, Sarah, and Linsie; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Priscilla T. Boucher and her husband Normand of Gardner; several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54-years, Phyllis M. (Proulx) Ares, who died in 2010; and two brothers, Raymond P., and Robert J. Ares.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Cemetery, Crystal Lake Avenue, Gardner, MA.

A Calling Hour will be held Friday, February 10, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090 or on their website at (www.aspca.org) or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or on their website at (www.stjude.org). Please reference in memory of Joseph Normand Ares.