HOLYOKE Joel’s life was characterized by his deep connection with family. He lost his mother at a young age, but when his father remarried he gained three siblings in a real life “brady bunch” situation which he benefited from tremendously. In total there were eight children and love triumphed tragedy in their home.
He enjoyed their large family gatherings, the guidance and love of his of his all-knowing sisters and the ruckus and rowdy debauchery of his brothers. He learned about love, tradition and resiliency from his family and this informed how he parented his own two sons, David and Max. His sons loved playing Mario video games with him.
Yet, he never stayed indoors for too long. He was an outdoorsman, a scout and would have lived outside if he could have. He loved roaming the Seven Sisters Mountain Range and his sons looked forward to many camping and fishing trips with him.
At home he used whatever speck of earth he had to cultivate flowers and vegetables. He could make anything grow, even finicky bonsai trees which blossomed in his care. He was more than just a good dad.
He was a favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews. He had the indelible ability to invoke roaring belly laughter from most children. Children often respond to authenticity.
Because while Joel was a family man, he was no generic suburban dad. He was an old soul unfazed by trends and disposable pop-culture. He had no less than three math tattoos and pursued the topic not out of some professional requisite, but simply to feed his own intellectual curiosity.
He was an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy. He especially loved the works of Robert A. Heinlein. He was a heavy metal fan and his favorite band was Megadeath, which anyone who has been a road trip with him can attest to.
His favorite scotch was Delwinnie and he was known for cooking superb tenderloin steaks. He loved taking his sons to Quarters to play retro arcade games. When out with friends or his brothers he enjoyed the rustic atmosphere of Hugos.
He will be missed tremendously. Joel is survived by his sons David and Maxwell Provencal and their mother Amelia Jayne, his parents David Provencal and Linda Riley, and his siblings: Matt Provencal, Dani McGahee, Nikki Wadleigh, Mike Provencal, Rebecca, Corrina and Michael Riley and a multitude of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He is predeceased by mother Michelle Provencal.
His wake will be held on Friday the 25th of May at the Barry j. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke MA from 4pm-7pm. The wake with viewing. His funeral will be held the following day also at the funeral home.
Guests can arrive at 10am. The service will begin at 11am. It will be closed casket.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to his sons’ college funds at Holyoke Credit Union, 490 Westfield Road, P.O. Box 1398, Holyoke, MA 01041.
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