Joseph F. ‘Joe’ Muse Jr., 82, Former Raytheon Employee

Joseph F. “Joe” Muse Jr., 82, of Bradford, passed away on Sunday, June 24, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a brief illness.

He was born in Melrose on Feb. 14, 1936, the only son of the late Joseph F. Muse and Dorothy (Gilker) Muse. He was a 1954 graduate of Melrose High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent the majority of his career in the tech industry, working for Raytheon, Honeywell and Wang Laboratories.

Muse’s quick wit was one of his greatest qualities, and he loved playing pranks and joking with friends and family. He made up for his hijinks by being the first person to offer help on any home improvement project. He was a voracious reader of political thrillers, biographies and histories. He enjoyed an active life with bowling, exercise and spending time on the water among his favorite pursuits. Known for his meticulous manner, he had a perfectly aligned sock drawer.

Muse is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Carol (Alexander) Muse of Bradford, three daughters, Barbara (Muse) Zarba and husband, David, of Atkinson, N.H., Jeannette (Muse) Sarno of Everett, Heather Muse and husband, Michael Burmeister, of Brooklyn, N.Y., grandchildren Jason Laporte of Everett, Stephen Muse of Somerville, Gabriella Zarba of Atkinson, N.H., great-grandchildren Lilly and Leo Ortega of Atkinson, N.H., and sister Janice (Muse) Laroche. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Edward Alexander of Bradford, and nephews Sean Alexander and wife, Kerri-Ann O’Brien, Kenneth Alexander and wife, Natalie, along with many other loving family members, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sisters Louise, Virginia and Marjorie.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Saturday, June 30 from 1-3 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer and Sons Bradford Funeral Home, 210 South Main St., Bradford. His funeral service and burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Muse’s memory to the National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112 or www.stroke.org.