Joseph von Handorf, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, step-son, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family after an 18 month long battle with brain cancer.

Joe was born May 13, 1975 to Kurt S von Handorf and Karen A. Thibeault in Lynn, Massachusetts and raised in both Lynn and Wakefield. In 1997, He moved to Chelsea, Massachusetts to be with his wife, Jill. There they started their family. In 2005, they moved to Leominster, Massachusetts where their children were raised. In 2021, Joe's dream of moving to rural New Hampshire came to fruition when they settled in Richmond, New Hampshire.

Joe was always a kid at heart. He loved being with his boys playing video games and hockey, going to the movies and practicing marksmanship. He never outgrew the joy of simply having fun with the people he loved. He was happiest outdoors and had a particular love for the beach and ocean, having grown up near Lynn Beach. He also loved traveling for day trips or vacation with his family especially to Lake Winnipesaukee, Gettysburg, and Savannah, Georgia which were among his favorite places to visit.

Joe had a deep love of military history and firearms, interests he proudly passed on to his sons. He spent much time on precision sports and technical disciplines as well as gaining a purple belt and honorary black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

His desire to serve others began early in life when he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He later joined the United States Marine Corps, but an injury led to his discharge before he could graduate. Although he was unable to complete his military service, Joe found other ways to serve his community. He became a volunteer firefighter and EMT before ultimately dedicating his career to helping others as a Respiratory Therapist.

Joe will be remembered by everyone who knew him for his amazing smile and his incredible sense of humor. Even during the darkest and most difficult moments, he could somehow find a way to lighten the room and make people laugh. That was Joe-someone who brought warmth, humor, and a little bit of mischief wherever he went.

More than anything, Joe loved his family. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 34 years, Jill; his son Joseph and partner Killian Anderson; his son Christopher; His mother and stepfather Karen and David Thibeault; his step-siblings Brian and Nicole Thibeault; his mother-in-law, Jean MacDonald; the absolute apple of his eye his granddaughter Serana Jean; and his dog Greta, a constant and steadfast companion who never left his side. He also had many other family members and friends who loved him dearly. He is predeceased by his father Kurt von Handorf as well as his grandparents, aunt and uncles.

Joe was and is our North Star-the steady presence we could always turn to, the one who helped guide us through life's storms and always made us feel that we would be okay. His love was the foundation of our family, and his light will continue to live on in each of us.

Though our hearts are broken by his absence, we will carry his laughter, his kindness, his humor, and his love with us every day. We will find him in the places he loved, in the memories he gave us, and in the pieces of himself he left in his children and granddaughter.

Joe, you are irreplaceable and loved beyond words, and you always will be.

May you continue to always guide your family home.

Family and friends are invited to gather for Visiting Hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 4-7pm and for his Graveside Service at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake St. Peabody on Friday, Oct. 9, at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.