AUGUSTA - - Joseph Larouche, 77, of Fairfield, Maine, passed away on March 3, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. Born on September 19, 1947, in Montreal, Canada, he then moved to Madison, ME at the age of 5. Joseph was a proud Vietnam War veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He served his country with honor and carried that pride throughout his life. During his service, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded a Bronze Star and a Commendation Medal for Valor. For 56 years, Joseph was a devoted husband to Mildred "Millie" Larouche, building a life full of love, family, and cherished memories. He was predeceased by his parents, Gloria Fortune Larouche and Marcel Larouche, as well as his beloved brother, James "Jimmy" Larouche. Joseph leaves behind his wife, Millie, and their three children: Michelle Larouche Donald and her husband Rick of Freeport, ME; Tara Larouche Goodwin and her husband James of Benton, ME; and Kristian Larouche and his wife Julie of Fairfield, ME. Besides his children, his greatest joy in life was his eight grandchildren—Evan Donald, Camden Donald, Payton Goodwin, Trey Goodwin, Paige Goodwin, Tyler Larouche, Macie Larouche, and Kristian Larouche. He adored them and took immense pride in supporting their passions, never missing an opportunity to attend their sporting events and activities. Watching them grow and succeed was one of his life's greatest blessings. He also leaves behind his siblings: Robert Larouche of Needles, CA; Daniel Larouche of Houston, TX; Donald Larouche of Portland, ME; John Larouche and his wife Joyce of Madison, ME; Linda Mayo and her husband Roland of Chelsea, ME; Cindy Laney and her husband Bill of Norridgewock, ME; Vicki York and her husband Randy of Vassalboro, ME; and Becky Poulin and her husband John of Skowhegan, ME. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Joseph had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, ice fisherman, and bird hunter, passions that brought him great joy throughout his life. For many years, he spent countless days traveling the North Country roads of Maine with his good friend, Dick Corey, sharing stories and laughter along the way. After his military service, Joseph built a long and successful career as a route salesman for Harris Baking Co., where he formed lasting friendships with his coworkers and customers. When the company closed, he continued working in sales before joining Statler Tissue in Augusta as a supervisor, dedicating ten years to the company before its closure. He then worked as a receiver for Formtek-Maine before taking a position at Togus VA Medical Center, where he worked until his retirement due to his diagnosis. Joseph was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2002, a challenge he faced with strength and resilience. In 2006, he received a life-changing kidney transplant, which gave him many more years to enjoy life and spend cherished time with his family and friends. A special thank you to all his close friends and neighbors who tirelessly kept in touch and visited him over the last few years. He enjoyed you all immensely and truly cherished your kindness and companionship. Joseph will be remembered for his kind heart, his deep love for his family, and his unwavering dedication to those he cared about. His legacy of love, service, and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on March 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Shawmut Chapel in Shawmut, ME, officiated by Steve Donahue, with a reception to follow at the Fairfield VFW. His committal service will take place on May 15, 2025, at noon at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to MaineHealth Transplant Program, 43 Baxter Blvd, Portland, ME. Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, where memories of Joseph may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting www.vrlfuneralhome.com.