E. Arnold 'Arnie' Joseph, age 81, died Monday, April 25, 2011 in the home he built with his wife, just a half mile away from the house in which he was born; he kept his playful sense of humor until the very end.

A Lifetime Norwell resident, or 'Townie', Arnie worked for the towns Highway Department upon graduating from Norwell High School in 1948. He served his country in Korea as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, Fire Direction Control Unit from 1951-1953. Elected as Norwell Highway Surveyor in 1960, he dedicated much of his life to the planning, construction, and maintenance of Norwells infrastructure, furthering this role by serving as the towns Drainage Supervisor and Planning Board Inspector. He remained elected Highway Surveyor until health issues prompted his retirement in 1992.

A Charter member of the Plymouth County Highway Assoc., Joseph acted as the organizations President, Treasurer, and in other leadership positions over the years. Memberships also included The American Public Works Assoc., Barnstable County Highway Assoc., and the Massachusetts Highway Assoc. Arnie served as the Captain of Norwells Volunteer Fire Dept. and Commander of the Samuel Turner Legion Post 192. Upon retirement, Arnie enjoyed spending more time with family, the real center of his life, riding on his John Deere, tending sheep, and keeping abreast of town news and events.

Arnie was the beloved husband of Nancy Trafton (Henderson), and is survived by a daughter, Stacey Ann Joseph and her son Gunnar Joseph Swanson of Norwell; and a son, Mark Henderson Joseph and his husband, Alan Krisfalusi of New York, NY. Arnie was the son of the late Herbert Eaton Joseph and Grace Ward Joseph of Norwell. He was the brother of George Joseph of Charlton, Philip Joseph of Norwell, Jean McKenney of Norwell, June Joseph of Wareham, Joyce Dennis of Sudbury and the late Leo Joseph of Plymouth and Arthur Joseph of Scituate. Arnie is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours Friday 4-8 pm in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 30 Central St. (off Rt. 123, near State Police Barracks), Norwell Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arnie's memory may be made to the Norwell VNA & Hospice, 91 Longwater Cir, Norwell, MA. 02061

Service Information

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10 am in St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent St., Scituate Harbor.

Interment Washington Street Cemetery, Norwell.