Joseph P. Lenox

Joseph P. Lenox, Jr., 97, longtime Acton resident, proud veteran and a beloved member of the community, passed away with family by his side at Emerson Hospital on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. He was the loving husband of the late Lorraine (Nadeau) Lenox, who died in 2002.

Born in Winchester on August 24, 1925, he was the son of the late Joseph P. Lenox, Sr. and Jane (Brennan) Lenox. He was raised in Medford, graduating from St. Joseph’s School and Medford High School. Joe honorably served our country during World War II and Korea, where he served as a Gunner aboard merchant vessels for the Navy Armed Guard. His steadfast patriotism never wavered, as his service subsequently continued in the Army National Guard for twelve years.

From 1957 until 1985, Joe held the position of Superintendent for Walden Pond State Reservation. He was a Call Firefighter for the Acton Fire Department for over twenty years, a life member of the Medford American Legion, Acton VFW and Medford Disabled American Veterans. He was also a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association and the U.S. Navy Armed Guard Association. Joe was a Past Grand Knight for the Acton Knights of Columbus, and was honored to serve as Parade Marshall for previous Memorial Day ceremonies in Acton. The Acton Independent Battery held a special place in his heart, and he was the oldest active member at the time of his death.

Joe will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic. He plowed snow for his son’s company, D.P. Lenox, Inc., until the age of 86. He was gifted a lasting quality of life, driving well into his nineties while remaining in the comfort of his own home. He was a fixture in the Town of Acton who never met a stranger and was genuinely adored by all. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, whether it was a great meal, quality time spent with family, or his favorite hobby, scrapping. He embodied a pure generosity of spirit and heart of gold. Many were the beneficiaries of his small acts of kindness. To know Joe was to love Joe. His memory will be treasured.

He was the father of Joseph P. Lenox, III and his wife Carol of Peterborough, NH, Stephen Lenox of Acton, Daniel Lenox and his wife Lisa of Groton, Peter Lenox and his wife Cheryl, and Elizabeth Dowd, all of Rochester, NH. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, two siblings, Peter Lenox and his wife Rita and W. Pauline Davis, all of Medford, as well as many nieces and nephews. Joe was the brother of the late Helen McGlynn, Veronica Cotariu, Theresa Keith and Janet Granara.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life during visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Acton Center on Tuesday, December 6th from 4 to 8 pm.  His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 7th at 10 am in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Acton Center.  Burial will immediately follow with U.S. Navy military honors and Acton Independent Battery salute at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Acton.

Acton’s Town Flag will fly at half-staff on Wednesday, Dec. 7 in recognition of Joe’s faithful military service to our country.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor his memory may be made to Acton Independent Battery, P.O. Box 1804, Acton, MA 01742 or Granara-Skerry Trust, P.O. Box 1047, Medford, MA 02155.

Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton.  To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Joe’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.