Joseph P. Bilodeau

Joey Bilodeau loved Ed Sheeran's song 'Perfect' and he'd enthusiastically sing along to the lyrics when he heard it played. And too…for reasons known only to Joey and God…he'd often tear up when singing it.

He loved all genres of music but anything by Foreigner was on the top of his charts. He cherished his day trips to Quincy Market with dad for oysters on the half-shell at the famous Union Oyster House where Joey was a well loved patron. And afterwards…they would spend hours listening to Jimmy Harding playing piano and entertaining the crowds visiting Faneuil Hall. And if the violinist was playing he would request something familiar by Mozart. Perhaps Joey knew that where words fail…music speaks!

Joey and his dad were welcomed aboard the Hy-Line Cruise every summer Sunday for the three hour boat ride exploring the Cape Cod Canal and beyond. The crew aboard the boat loved Joey. And almost on cue as the boat made it's way back towards the harbor on the return trip the band would play and Joey would hit the dance floor…encouraging others to join him and dance like no one was watching!

He and his parents took multiple trips to the most magical place in the world which is Disney. Joey would hit Splash Mountain….explore It's a Small World and everything each park has to offer. Fast and seemingly scary rides were his forte and he would ride them was often as time would avail. The wooden roller coaster at Canobie Lake Park was ridden minimally three to four times each visit and Fourth of July traditions with mom and dad meant premiere seating on the esplanade for the fireworks and the Boston Pops. Wonderful and precious memories.

He would attend Mass each Sunday at Saint Mary's Church with mom and dad and look forward to his special blessing by Fr. Michael when greeting him as they left church.

Joey was a familiar face and co-worker at the Kelliher Center in Arlington. Kelliher Center provided Joey with a range of community activities and a pathway to various types of employment all the while fostering friendships with staff and friends of the program.

On October 19, 1972 Ernest J. and Janet P. (Fortin) Bilodeau welcomed their son, Joseph P. Bilodeau into the world at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and shortly thereafter truly realized his life was a blessing and a gift! While they were his parents first….they remained his best friends and his advocate for his 46 years. Joey died peacefully on Sunday, December 30, 2018 after a period of failing health. And with him were his parents who were by his side each and every day for hours on end during his many recent hospitalizations.

In addition to his best friends and parents, Ernie and Janet Bilodeau he leaves his siblings, Anne C. Zeiger (Darren) of Virginia, John E. Bilodeau of Groton, Michael J. Bilodeau of Boca Raton, Florida and Susan P. Bilodeau of Alexandria, Virginia. Also survived by nieces & nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joey's life by gathering for a calling hour in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, January 3rd from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in his name to Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 would be appreciated.