Obituary of Joseph Ronald Wilsack

WILSACK, Joseph Ronald We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joseph Ronald Wilsack, age 79, of Melmerby Beach, NS on September 5, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn (Gallagher) Wilsack, his son Stephen (Jane Anne Wilsack), and his daughters, Jo-Anne and Lisa Wilsack. Also surviving are his sisters, Betty Wilsack, Margie Wilsack Renouf, and Linda Wilsack Forbes, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Theresa (Andrea) Wilsack, his brother, Jimmy, and his brother-in-law, Ross Forbes. In earlier days, Joe and Carolyn lived in Calgary, Alberta, where Joe was employed by Imperial Oil for a number of years. In 1967, they returned to NS where he was employed by Scott Paper as a lab technician for 28 years. After retirement, he volunteered for the Pictou County Food Bank. Joe had an amazing personality. He was very quick-witted and had a great sense of humour. Joe will forever be remembered for bringing a smile to the face of everyone he met. Whether you were family who heard his same jokes for decades, a close friend, or the cashier at the grocery store, he had a joke for you. Of course no one laughed louder than he did at his own jokes, and his smile and laughter were absolutely contagious. He was very musically talented and loved to entertain playing the piano. He was an original member of a band called “The Stellartones”; and later, a piano player for the Atomics band. Joe was a very active runner having completed six marathons to his credit. Joe and Carolyn spent their winters in Florida; and later on, in Arizona where they made lifelong friends. Special thanks to the QEII staff, the Palliative Care team of the Aberdeen Hospital, especially Dr. Kwasnik, Dr. Farrell, and Debbie Williams, the amazing staff of the VON, and the Red Cross. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 12 from 2 - 4 p.m. at H. W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral services will be Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m., with Father Peter MacDonald presiding. Due to Covid 19, masks are mandatory for the visitation and service with limited seating available for the service. A committal service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at 3pm following the funeral service where everyone is invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VON or the Canadian Cancer Society. angusfuneralhomes.com