QUECHEE, VT — On January 30, 2021, Joseph (Papa Joe) Trombley was welcomed into the arms of God, who uniquely crafted him to bless others…and he did.

Born in Montpelier on March 6, 1941, to Irene and Alfred Trombley, he began his journey to experience and overcome many challenges. Joe exemplified the idea that it isn’t how you start the race, but how you finish.

After school he joined the Army National Guard, worked at various jobs, married, and had 4 daughters and a son.

In 1986 he moved to PA and started a new chapter of life, marrying Barbara Place-Emerson. His new family included two step-sons, a “Ma”, a sister, a brother, and so much extended family that he grew to love.

Over the next 34 years Joe became Barbara’s ‘Rock.” He worked very hard making her his “Number One” priority with true love and true spoiling.

Papa Joe loved the spirit of restoration and his character could be seen through his craftsmanship with automobiles and antique furniture….both at French’s Auto Body, where he worked for many years, and at his own antique restoration business in CT.

He was most proud of his service as a fireman and ambulance driver for many years in S. Coventry, CT. He lived to answer the call and to serve others.

Joe was tough and quiet. But he was also a protector, and a generous, passionate, and dependable person. He was a supportive friend, a very logical person, and volunteer driven by a big heart. If Joe liked you, you knew it. If he didn’t, you knew that, too. Joe made life-long friends in PA, NY, CT, and across New England.

Joe enjoyed life! He loved riding with the Harley-Davidson and Red Knight International Motorcycle Clubs. He also loved boating, fishing, hunting, camping, traveling on vacations, or going for a “mystery ride” for the day. He loved “the hunt” of yard sales and flea markets, looking for the perfect gadget or “thing” he couldn’t live without.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alfred Trombley and his sister Arlene Flint. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Place Trombley, sister, Nancy Young and her husband Karl, brother Robert Trombley and Donna Smith, and sister Tammy Fassett; mother-in-law Marjorie “Ma” Place, sister-in-law Claire Walton; daughters Karen Rancore and husband David, Michell Young and husband Jack, Lori Trombley, and Nikki Glisson and husband Brian; as well as son Scott Trombley and wife Christal, and step-sons Scott Emerson and Benjamin Emerson and wife Elizabeth. He also had 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, please practice random acts of kindness for those in need.

A safe celebration of life will be planned in summer or fall. Announcement to follow.

To leave a message of condolence or remembrance, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.