Joseph Arthur Robitaille

Joseph Arthur Robitaille, age 86, of Moore, SC, passed away on February 4, 2021, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home in Spartanburg, SC.
Joseph was known to his family and friends as “Sonny Joe” and “Joe.” To his grandchildren, he was “Grandpa” and “Pip.” Joe was born to the late Bernice and Joseph Alphonse Robitaille in Manchester, NH. Joe attended Manchester Central High School and joined the Air Force at the age of 17. During his career, Joe worked at Grenier Air Force Base in New Hampshire, and Hanscom Air Force Base, and Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Joe was also in the Air Force Reserves and served in the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War.
In 1956, Joe married Joanne Newcome. They had three children: JoAnne Robitaille Shields of Rock Hill, SC, Joseph Arthur Robitaille II of Gainesville, FL (spouse Linda), and John Alan Robitaille of Moore, SC (spouse Catherine.) They have four grandchildren: Naomi Robitaille of Gainesville, FL, Jessica Shields of Rock Hill, SC, and Jean-Luc and Jane Robitaille of Moore, SC. In 1980, Joe married Helen Overby Shields and became the stepfather to Helen’s four children: Debbie Shields (deceased,) Karen Shields (deceased,) Larry Shields of Charlotte, NC, and Laurie Shields of Jacksonville, AL.
Joe loved his family dearly and his loss is deeply felt by his surviving brother, Charles Robitaille (spouse Pat) and sisters Claudia Reeves (spouse Lee), Nancy Reed, Sandra Philbrook (spouse Robert), and Mary Linda Robitaille, as well as their children. Joe had a close relationship with his nieces and nephews and made a strong impact on their Christian faith and lives. Joe had two brothers, Donald Robitaille and Richard Robitaille, whom he loved dearly, that predeceased him.
Joe enjoyed traveling the world with the Air Force and lived in Israel and England during the latter part of his career. He retired in 1994, after 42-years of service, as a Senior Master Sergeant/Flight Engineer. Joe had a great zest for life and love for his family. He had friends all over the world. Joe earned his private pilot’s license and took up flying and parachuting as hobbies. After retiring, Joe spent his time reading, playing computer games (he was a whiz at trivia!), and being with his family. Joe was a devout Christian and devoted his mornings to reading from his collection of prayers. He held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who encountered or surrounded him.
At Joe’s request, a memorial service with full military honors will be held. This will be scheduled when COVID-19 allows.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Joe’s name, or to the
Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home (686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303.)