Joseph John DeYear, 26, of the Ridge Road passed away unexpectedly Saturday, on July 14th. Joseph was born March 16th, 1986 in Watertown, NY, graduating from Carthage High School in 2004. He worked various jobs in construction with uncle Don and was employed at Rainbow International for several years to the present.

Among his survivors are his parents Julie DeYear and Mike Grandjean, and Joseph and Michelle DeYear, all of Watertown. Additional survivors include (Gram) Jackie O’Brien, (Gramma) Betty Grandjean, (Gramma) Mary DeYear, Aunt Jo-Ann and Uncle Tim Nevin, Uncle Don and Aunt Barb DeYear all of Watertown; Uncle James O’Brien of Chateaugay; Uncle John and Aunt Christine O’Brien of Chazy. Uncle Jay Grandjean, and Uncle Bryan Grandjean. Half- sister, Joanne (DeYear) Fargo and spouse Corey; and Brittany and spouse Charles Donner, from Colorado Springs. Step-brothers Mikey Grandjean, Carthage and Justin Grandjean, Jacksonville, Florida. His beloved cousins, Shanon Nevin, Watertown, NY and Donald Michael DeYear Jr. (spouse Christina), of Liverpool, NY; and Johnny and Alyssa O’Brien of Chazy; and Gordie and Bryan Grandjean and one niece, Tia Fargo.

He was predeceased by his paternal Grandfather Carl DeYear, paternal Grandmother Dianne DeYear, maternal Grandfather John O’Brien Jr., and paternal Grandfather Gordon Grandjean.

Pall bearers are John O’Brien IV, Donald Michael DeYear, Dustin Houppert, Pat Ritz, Todd Johnson, and Mike Grandjean II.

Public visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, July 18th from 4pm-8pm at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, 632 State St. in Watertown, NY. A prayer service at the funeral home Thursday, July 19 at 9:15 am followed by a 10 am funeral mass at Holy Family Church on Winthrop St., Watertown. Arrangements are with Reed and Benoit Funeral Home. There will be a celebration of Joseph’s life at the American Legion Post 61 on Sterling Street in Watertown. Monetary donations can be made to the American Legion Post 61 in Joseph’s name.

Joseph was one of the most wonderful people you will ever know. God graced us for 26 years with Joseph’s presence and he made a huge, positive impact on everyone he met. He was a dedicated and caring son who loved his motherly dearly and was a very family-oriented person. He always took the time to help his “gram” and give her his famous tight hug and kiss. He was the pride and joy of his father, aunts, uncles and friends. He was always there to help his family and friends and would give you the shirt off his back. Joseph would always bring out the best in people. He brought tons of smiles to his family and friends whether it be at family holiday gatherings, parties, or on the job with co-workers; it was in his nature and his everyday routine. Joseph loved to play hockey and loved the New Jersey Devils. He lived life to the fullest every day and loved to listen to music, dance, and make sure everyone around him was having fun.

From Jamie to Julie:Julie, you’re going to be overwhelmed at how many people really loved Joe. Joe loved friends and family and the good times of just being together. If you were one of the many friends Joe had it didn’t matter who you were on the outside, he picked you from your heart and soul on the inside. Once he knew you, you were more then a friend, you became one of Joe’s many uncles he added into being part of Joe’s family. Joe and I often talked about you and how he wanted you to be happy, treated with love and get the true happiness you deserve for being a great mom & loving him so much. God only made one Joe. His kindness and love will be greatly missed and the moments shared and treasured by all that knew him. We’ll never find another Joe or the bond he created between all of us. He’s going to be bringing us all together in a big way which to me is really Joe’s way giving all he had to give for his friends and family without holding back on the love or the money in his pocket. He would give the very last 2 cents he had to make sure his friends had a good time. If he didn’t have it you had to love him for showing others how to dig deep and spread the wealth around. Joe never wanted to wait to live until tomorrow, his quest was to live for today. I never expected Joe to leave us so soon, but now he’s up above watching over us. We’ll all miss him dearly, but we need to thank the lord for giving us Joseph for the 26 years on earth.

Online condolences may be made to Joseph’s family at www.reedbenoit.com.

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