WALEN, Joseph Vincent

Patriot Ledger (Quincy MA) Thursday, September 25, 2014 Joseph Vincent Walen, 94, died Sept 19, 2014. He was born April 30, 1920, in South Weymouth, Mass. He was predeceased by his brothers, Michael Jr and John, sister, Ann V Aukstikalnis, his parents, Michael and Helen, and his best friend and dearest companion for nearly five decades, Helen Snigerewich of Hanover, Mass. Helen and Joe shared an active social life, with years of Patriots games, dining out and polka dances in Massachusetts and surrounding states. Joe attended Weymouth schools, managed the Walen Farms in South Weymouth, formerly at the South Weymouth Air Base. In addition, he operated the Rockland, Mass., landfill until his retirement. In Rockland, he was a key member of the Rockland Recycling Committee. He enjoyed Massachusetts and Federal politics. For decades, he was an active member of the Plymouth County Democratic League. He attended countless democratic conventions. In his thirties, Joe took a vacation and drove to Alaska, a vacation that lasted for 9 years. He was part owner and was active in his coal mining business. He enjoyed wildlife, nature and wilderness as an enthusiast and expert. He also prided himself on his Alaskan cabin (had no plumbing or electricity) which he enjoyed in his spare time. He regularly traveled to Wickenburg, Ariz., panned for gold, and consistently participated in the governors trail ride. This trail ride on horseback lasted for a week, covered 100 miles, and took place by invitation only. For nearly twenty years, he was invited. He enthusiastically participated and took his last trail ride at almost 80 years young. In 2004, he relocated from Rockland to Boca Raton, Fla., to be close to his family. Even in his later years, he kept up with the news, politics and business. He read 3 newspapers daily. He was an extraordinary man who lived a full life. Joe was a people-person and thrived on lively and in-depth discussions. He was the best guy, patient with all, and had many new friends at his Banyan Place residence. He played it cool, carefully dressed and groomed, polite, kind gentleman. He will be dearly missed by his niece and family, Brenda Chalas, Dennis Chalas; great-nephews, Federico and Derek; and countless friends. Joe was a brilliant guy who lived, truly lived, without fear. Mr Walen's family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his life in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St., Rockland, Friday, September 26, 2014, from 5-7pm. A funeral mass will be held in the Holy Family Church in Rockland, Saturday, September 27, at 9am. Burial will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Assumption College Student Financial Scholarship, c/o Melanie Demarais, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.