Joseph Bousa III passed at age 90 on October 2, 2023 in Jupiter, Florida after complications from a recent stroke.
Joseph was born in Willimantic, Connecticut on August 22, 1933 - the youngest child of Mary (Lucas) and Joseph Bousa Jr. Joe graduated from North Windham High School (1951) and earned a BS in Business from the University of Connecticut (1955). While at UConn, he enlisted in Army ROTC. Upon completion of service in 1966, Joe achieved the rank of Captain.
Joe met his wife of 65 years, Jean Meckensturn, while at UConn. He spied a car on campus - with dealer plates - and was determined to meet the beautiful brunette behind the wheel. Jean's father was a Chrysler Plymouth dealer and Joe’s father was a GMC Truck dealer. Jean quickly fell for Joe's bright blue eyes and his winning personality. The couple wed in 1957 and moved to Bloomfield, CT where Joe began a long & storied career at IBM.
Two sons arrived in quick succession: Edward, followed by John (known as Jack). In 1967, the family moved to Simsbury and flourished in the golf, tennis, and social scene at Hop Meadow Country Club. The 'Hop Meadow' years became some of their most cherished memories before Joe's career at IBM took the Bousa family throughout the Northeast.
In 1970, Joe was elevated to IBM’s Boston office and the family settled in Westwood, MA. A year later, the couple bought a beach cottage in Popponesset Beach and joined the Country Club of New Seabury. Forty-nine happy summers on the Cape followed.
In 1974, Joe was elevated to IBM's Office Products Division headquarters in New Jersey. By 1980, Joe was leading the Used Equipment Operation for IBM USA. During the headquarters years, the family resided in Upper Saddle River, NJ and joined the Tuxedo Club, which became an integral part of their lives. Joseph’s leadership skills and amiable personality led him to a decade long run on the Tuxedo Club Board. He represented the Tuxedo Club in many inter-club golf competitions.
Joseph was an accomplished country club golfer, winning the Tuxedo Club Senior Championship and qualifying for the 1989 USGA Senior Amateur. He shared his golf wisdom & zeal with his sons, winning numerous father son tournaments - including low net with Jack and runner-up low gross with Edward - in separate Metropolitan Golf Association events.
After IBM retirement in 1988, Joe & Jean departed New Jersey and traded their beach cottage for a home on the water in New Seabury - with ample room for boats and grandchildren. Sailing & clamming became cherished summer family pastimes.
In 1999, the couple built a home in Nokomis FL on the Mission Valley Country Club golf course. As Florida residents, they hosted epic gatherings of host and friends.
In 2012, Jean suffered a stroke and the couple soon joined Edward and his family at the Jupiter Hills Club, Tequesta, FL. By 2015, Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In 2019, Jean & Joe moved to Senior Living at Mangrove Bay in Jupiter FL. Jean passed in 2022.
Joseph’s loving spirit will be carried on by sons Edward (Maureen) and Jack (fiancee Alison Haran), his grandchildren: Marina Bousa Morrissey (Patrick), Eamon Bousa (Audrey); Bridget Bousa and Monica Bousa; and his great-granddaughters Frances and Mary Louise Morrissey. Joe is survived by his older sister Helen Bousa Kos of Windham, CT.
A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at a later date in Florida. Burial will be at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury, MA.