Joseph A. DeGrasse, 82, died peacefully on May 18, 2026 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Bangor. He was born September 11, 1943 in Tallahassee, Florida, the son of Donald and Pauline DeGrasse.

Moving to Maine in 1945 he was raised in Orono, graduating from Orono High School in 1961 and then attending Husson College. He worked as an Engineering Technician with MDOT until being drafted in 1965, enlisting on the same day. He proudly served our country spending one year in Vietnam (1966-1967). After his honorable discharge in 1968 he resumed employment with MDOT until 1978 and attended the University of Maine getting a degree in counseling. In 1982 he began his career with the VA as a veterans counselor and later administrator and counselor at the Bangor Vet Center on Harlow Street in Bangor where he had a 23 year career helping fellow veterans which was his passion. He had been a member of the DAV, VFW and American Legion. He was an avid candlepin bowler, golfer and fisherman. After his retirement he truly enjoyed being “Grampy” to his many grandchildren who held a special place in his heart. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Susanne; two daughters Karen Davis and Carol DeGrasse, and brother Richard (Dickie) DeGrasse. He is survived by four children, Adam & Shelley Shaw of Glenburn, Aaron & Betsey Shaw of Bangor, Aimee & John Brooks of Bangor, Aubry and Melissa Shaw of NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ohio St., Bangor. Burial and committal with military honors will be afterward at Riverside Cemetery, Bennoch Road, Orono. Messages and memories of Joseph may be shared with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com