Joseph R. A. Soucy

Joseph R. A. Soucy, known to his friends and immediate family as Joe, and to his extended family as Ray, passed away on July 26, 2025 at the age of 79 at his home in Nashua, NH. Joe’s final moments were peaceful, surrounded by loved ones - his wife Christine, his daughter Amie, and his son Jeramy.

Born on February 21, 1946, in Augusta, Maine, Joe forged his own path through life. He was a self-made man, and always authentically himself. In his younger years he was likely found cruising backroads on a motorcycle; his favorite being his fabled 1953 Harley Davidson Panhead. He later gave up his motorcycle to settle down and nurture a family life. He did not, however, give up his bold character and genuine personality. Joe was the type of man to speak his mind in all circumstances, unapologetically; and he expected the same from others. In this way, through everything he did and said, he lived a truly authentic life - he knew no other way, nor cared to. With Joe, what you saw was what you got. His opinions could be fierce, but so was his love, honesty, laughter, and wisdom.

To say that Joe was good at working with his hands would be a massive understatement. He was an exceptional machinist, and equally gifted in design and engineering. He would often create his own replacement parts and custom tools to fix or improve machines, automobiles, household items, and firearms. If it was broken, Joe could fix it. If it wasn't broken, he'd make it work better. His craftsmanship and attention to detail were truly unmatched. He graciously lent his master level skills to Nashua Corporation for over three decades, where he was employed as one of their head machinists. His passion for engineering was not just his career but also a vital part of who he was - meticulous, precise, and always eager to solve the next puzzle.

Joe's interests were as diverse as his skill set. As an avid hunter and fisherman he loved not only being in nature, but actively engaging in it, as part of it. He hunted for whitetail deer almost every season with his lifetime hunting permit, and was lucky enough one year to win the New Hampshire moose hunting permit lottery. And of course, Joe had a famous fish story: the giant salmon that got away - a testament to his sometimes boyish excitement and playful demeanor. Joe also found much joy in creativity, whether it was crafting a new recipe in the kitchen or designing a unique birthday cake. One year, in his spare time, he achieved a gunsmithing certification - a culmination of his lifelong passion for shooting and firearms. Speaking of which, Joe was an impressive marksman. He held several archery league trophies and often participated in high-powered long range shooting matches at a local fish & game association. Joe not only taught his family how to shoot, he also taught many of Jeramy’s friends as well, and helped them to properly maintain their bows and firearms. Indeed, Joe’s hands were rarely still, always busy fixing, improving, or creating something that would bring joy or help to others.

Joe had an enormous collection of movies featuring blockbuster hits, b-movies, cult classics, and rare gems. He of course loved action movies, but even more, he loved to laugh. Joe’s sense of humor was as sharp as his intellect, and his ability to make others laugh was a gift that he shared generously. While Joe could be quite serious at times, you were much more likely to encounter him as a playful comedian. His authenticity was the secret ingredient to his incredible sense of humor - his genuine smile wasn't just a facial expression; it was an invitation to share joy. His colleagues at work not only relied on his expertise, but also on his daily dose of wisecracks. Of course, his unfiltered nature might have pushed your buttons a bit…or a lot, but it was always in good humor and in love - he just wanted everyone to laugh and have a good time. And when times were tough, Joe was always there to offer not just his humor, but his skills, his time, and powerful words of wisdom.

Joe is preceded in death by his Parents-in-law George and Phyllis Kappotis of Beverly, MA, and his Uncle and Aunt, Arthur and Theresa Soucy of Mount Vernon, ME.

Joe is survived by his wife, Christine Soucy (Kappotis); his son Jayson Soucy, daughter-in-law Erica and their children Connor and Kellen of Rio Rancho, NM; his daughter Amie Adams, son-in-law Michael, and their children Adriana and Jackson of Franklin, MA; his son Jeramy Soucy and daughter-in-law Christel Eggertswyler of Fribourg, Switzerland; his brother Roland Soucy of Levant, Maine; and his Godmother Theresa Smith of Augusta, ME.

Family was truly the cornerstone of Joe's life. His beloved wife, Christine, was his partner in all ways - his confidant, his best friend, and later his dedicated caregiver. Chris was always there at Joe’s side throughout their more than 50 years together. They loved and supported each other through all things in life. Together, they raised a family that reflected Joe's values of integrity, hard work, and humor. His children, Jayson, Amie, and Jeramy, inherited his clever wit and his resourceful nature. Chris’ parents, George and Phyllis, were truly family to Joe; their homes were always open to each other, whether for a quick visit, or to celebrate holidays and special events with delicious home-cooked meals. Joe’s Uncle Arthur, Aunt Theresa, and his Godmother Theresa all held a very special place in his heart; he greatly valued the encouragement and love they always showed to him throughout his life. With his brother, Roland, or Ron, Joe shared not just a family bond but a lasting friendship - one that is evident in the multitudes of amusing stories about which they would often reminisce. Joe always greatly looked forward to spending time with his family - from the simple moments like watching a football game and barbequing when Amie and Michael came for a visit, to once-in-a-lifetime chances like seeing one of his favorite bands in concert or moose hunting with Jeramy. Joe made the time, and also made it special. Joe’s grandchildren, Adriana and Jackson, knew him as “Opa”, and visited him often. They were the apples of his eye, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Joe's legacy is one of love, resilience, and the power of laughter. He was a man who knew the value of a good joke, the importance of honesty, and the warmth of a genuine smile. His intelligence was not in books but in the way he understood and navigated the world, always continuing to learn and better himself. Joe had a profound impact on the people in his life, and he continues to be a powerful inspiration to those close to him. His legacy lives on in his children, who carry and share his unique spirit onward in their own lives. We celebrate Joe with the same enthusiasm, focus, and lightheartedness that he exuded. His essence remains with us, reminding us to face each day with courage and integrity, to find humor in the unexpected, and to treasure the natural beauty that surrounds us. Joseph Soucy's story is one of a life beautifully crafted in his own unique way, just like the machines and tools that he worked on. Let us honor his memory by living our lives with the same zest and dedication that he did every single day.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Sunday August 10, between 11am to 4pm at Joe and Chris’ home in Nashua, NH. Please come as you are - this will be a drop-in style event with a relaxed atmosphere and catered lunch. For more details, including address, please call Jeramy, Chris, or Mackey Funeral Home (978-774-0033), or email JoeSoucyMemorial@gmail.com. If you would like to share any memories or photos of Joe, please send them to this email address as well.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations in Joe’s name.

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation https://www.bafound.org/donate/give-now/   see link below

The Niekro Aneurysm & AVM Foundation https://niekrofoundation.org/donate/.  see link below

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