Joseph L. Kashmer Jr., age 83, of Mill Lane in York, Maine, died on October 19, 2010, at his home following a period of failing health.
He was born on July 25, 1927, in Fremont, Ohio, the son of Joseph Kashmer Sr. and Jane A. (Kwapick) Kashmer. He attended schools in Toledo, Ohio.
A fixture on the York Harbor waterfront for many years, Joe came to personify the New England lobster fisherman—known for his strong work ethic, devotion to family, and the value he placed on his word and the relationships he formed.
Joe met and married his loving wife, Lois, and together they built a life in York Harbor, raising their family while working side by side. In 1972, they built their home on Mill Lane.
In addition to a lifetime of lobster fishing, Joe worked as a drill blaster for Iafolla Industries, participated in the dredging of Boston Harbor, worked as a mover for Wood Moving, delivered supplies to Boone Island for the United States Coast Guard, and served as a harpoon man for Bud Donnell aboard a tuna fishing vessel—never deterred by difficult work or the ferocity of the sea.
He traveled throughout New England, including Boston and Vermont, selling fresh fish from his signature truck bearing the name “York Fisheries.”
Joe enjoyed time spent with friends at Cox’s, Rick’s, and Perks, sharing daily coffee and conversation about current events, the ocean, and the many stories drawn from his life on the water.
He cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He looked forward each year to decorating a fresh-cut Christmas tree chosen by his granddaughter Marci for her “Popeye,” and to making, decorating, and enjoying gingerbread cookies together before opening gifts.
Joe was always available to help—whether with a home project, feeding horses, or offering a ride home from school, often accompanied by a special snack. His love for animals was deep and abiding, especially for his cats, who were a great comfort to him and often found curled up beside him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his son Joseph L. “Larry” Kashmer III and his wife Nancy of Eliot; his daughter Elizabeth “Kim” Kashmer Lytle of York; his grandchildren Nancy Jo and Joseph Haarmann of Orlando, Florida, Joseph L. “Larry” Kashmer IV and his wife Tricia of Kittery, Rebecca and Bryan Davis of North Berwick, Jonathan and Misty Kashmer of South Berwick, Nathaniel and Sheila Lytle of Eliot, and Marci E. Lytle of Eliot; and his great-grandchildren Taylor and Matthew, Johnna and Jenna Kashmer, and Owen and Julia Lytle.
He is also survived by his brother James Kashmer of Toledo, Ohio, and his sisters Jane Lovejoy of Kittery, and Janice Iott and Jackie Korte of Michigan.
Joe was predeceased by his brother John Kashmer.
A funeral service was held on Sunday, October 24, 2010, at the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home in Kittery, Maine, with the Rev. Deb Shipp officiating. Visiting hours were held at the funeral home on Saturday evening.
Family flowers only were requested. Memorial donations were suggested to Another Chance Animal Rescue of North Berwick, Maine.
Sources
Obituary published in Foster’s Daily Democrat via Legacy.com:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/fosters/name/joseph-kashmer-obituary?id=24142382