After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Joseph Corea, 78, passed away at his Truro home on Tuesday, September 22nd, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Marjorie (Gonsalves) Corea.
The first child of the late Joseph Corea and Florence (Fields) Corea, Joe was a Provincetown native who exemplified his Portuguese heritage and West End upbringing. Like most "townies”, Joe had a nickname. He was known as Joe Cow as was his father and grandfather. He and his brother Bruce and sister Donna were among the first to attend the West End Racing Club, were part of the "Chip Hill Gang" and could always be found diving for coins off the pier. In fact, Joe was known for his high diving expertise.
At a young age, Joe began commercial fishing. First for his father on the Papa Joe then for Alfred Silva on the Nancy and Debbie. Joe married Marjorie Gonsalves in 1968 and because he always wanted to live in the woods of Truro, it was there in 1974, that he and Marge moved and raised their two daughters Shannon Corea and Abby Corea. In 1971, Joe had begun his career with New England Telephone (now Verizon) where he made many lasting friendships with his coworkers. Post retirement in 1996 Joe worked for McHoul Funeral Home and aboard the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch.
An avid sportsman, Joe spent much of the fall and winter hunting and ice fishing with his brother Bruce and he would host large post-season game feeds at his home. Summer Sundays were spent at Hatches Harbor. Joe enjoyed daily rides down Macmillan Pier to scratch his lottery tickets and he was a two - time million-dollar winner! Always generous, he would share his winnings with his family and those in need. He could tell a story like no other, leaving you believing even if you thought you knew better. One of Joe's favorite pastimes was collecting and over the years, he filled his basement "man cave" with many items that he referred to as his treasures.
In addition to his wife Marge, daughters Shannon and Abby, grandchildren Jordan Carr-Giannelli and her husband Lance, Amanda Perry, Mackenzie Perry, Megan Perry and Brayson Ballentine survive him. He leaves his sister-in-law Betsi Corea, brothers-in-law Tom Prada, Walter Gonsalves and his wife Debbie, Alan Gonsalves and Mark Ventolieri and his partner Karen Perkins. He also leaves nieces and nephews: Erika Corea, Seanna Corea, Sherry Prada, Tommy Prada and his parter Stephanie Peters, Amy (Prada) Rogers and her husband Michael, Todd Prada and his fiancé Grace Ryder-O'Malley, David Gonsalves and his wife Hannah, Matthias Burt, Samantha Ventolieri-Bouchat and Ashley Ventolieri. Many beloved cousins of the Domingos, Cabral, Nadeau and White families also survive him. He was predeceased by brother Bruce Corea and sister Donna (Corea) Prada.
It was Joe's wish that there be a celebration and as soon as it is safe to gather, a date and location to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Homeless Prevention Council,
P.O. Box 828, Orleans MA, 02653.