Edward Joseph Meekins

Edward Joseph Meekins, age 77, of Amesbury, passed in the peaceful surroundings at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers on Thursday evening, June 13, 2024, after a brief illness, with his dedicated family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Joyce M. (Murphy) Meekins with whom he shared 52 years of marriage before her passing on December 9, 2023.

Born in Stoneham, MA on May 3, 1947, he was the son of the late Edward and Ruth (Airey) Meekins. He was raised in Woburn and was a graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1965.

In 1989 he moved to Amesbury and purchased a 1930’s Colonial home where he raised his family. Upon his retirement he built his retirement home, on the same property where he has resided for the past 34 years. In his spare time he loved landscaping his yard, and working on his home. He liked tinkering in his garage on small engines, furniture refinishing, and other small projects. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. He was an excellent cook and his amazing creations will be missed by many. He also loved to travel with his wife, family, and friends, throughout the US and abroad, including cruising to the Caribbean.

Joe, as he was known by many, was a drilling and blasting contractor for over 40 years working on roads, tunnels, quarries, building sites, ski slopes & pipelines throughout New England, leaving a lasting impression on this earth.

He was an avid parishioner at St. Andre Bessette Parish in Amesbury, where he had many friends.

His life’s memories will continue to live in the hearts of those he loved so dearly, his children, Justine Fairchild and husband James of Exeter, NH, Jarod Meekins and wife Terrie of Salisbury, and Joseph Meekins, and wife Adriana of Amesbury; his four grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Madison, Kaitlyn, Lily and Matthew; his three brothers, Kenneth Meekins and significant other, Lisa Davidson of Cape Coral, FL, Christopher Meekins and wife Maria of Nashua, NH, and Jonathan Meekins of Fremont, NH; along with several generations of nieces and nephews and extended families. In addition to his parents and his wife, Joyce, he was also predeceased by his sister, Maryann Meekins.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Church of St. Andre Bessette Parish, 2 School Street, Amesbury, MA. Burial at Union Cemetery, Amesbury, where Joe will be laid to eternal rest with his beloved Joyce, will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in memory of Edward Joseph Meekins to the American Heart Assoc.