May 31 1942 May 29 2019
Joseph Norman Fletcher May 31, 1942 – May 29, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers View Photo Galleries| Upload Photo| Sign Guestbook| View Guestbook Entries| Send Sympathy Card Joseph Norman Fletcher passed away on May 29, 2019 at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton, Washington, surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Bremerton and was born on May 31,1942 to parents Audrey and Mary Agnes (Triggs) Fletcher. Joe was the oldest of eight children. Many considered him the patriarch of his generation, as he served as a mentor and coach to all of his younger siblings and cousins. He attended Star of the Sea Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from West High School in 1960. After graduation, he spent two years attending Olympic Junior College. Joe enlisted in the United States Army in 1964, and he spent most of his time at Fort Casey, Korea as a medic. He was honorably discharged in 1966 and returned home to Bremerton. He met the love of his life, Diane Matzat (West High School class of 1963), in the summer of 1962. After a long-distance relationship with a letter sent every single day, they were married at Star of the Sea Catholic Church on April 23, 1966. Joe worked for the Olympic National Park Service for a few years clearing trails which fed his passion for the outdoors and hiking. He began overnight hiking trips in the Olympic Mountains at the age of 10 that continued for the next 62 years. He would spend months meticulously planning an annual hiking trip, including which trails to take, where to camp, sights to see, right down to who would bring the ketchup. In addition to overnight hikes, he was always ready for a beautiful day hike. Joe started his career at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1966. He first worked as an Electrician’s Helper and shortly thereafter transferred to Shop 17 as a sheet metal worker. He was a dedicated and hard working employee who advanced through the ranks until earning the well-deserved position of Superintendent of that shop. After retiring as the last Superintendent of Shop 17 in 1997, he didn’t stay idle too long and began working for the Bremerton School District in 1998 as a truck driver delivering meals to all of the schools on the west side of town. He retired in 2010 after 12 years of service. Joe loved football – a love that started when he played for the Naval Avenue Pee Wees. He continued to play in high school as a West High Wildcat and played in college as well. In the late 1960s, he started coaching football for Star of the Sea Catholic School and later coached for the Warren Avenue Pee Wees for many years. He loved being involved with the youth football program and was highly regarded by the all boys he coached. Joe also enjoyed playing fantasy football, leading a team called the Sleestakaraiders. After damaging his dad’s car as a teenager, Joe was given the wreckage, which served as his first vehicle. This began his obsession with cars and, through the years, he owned too many to count. His most beloved vehicle was his 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback, which he owned for about 52 years. He recently restored it and won first place at the Elks Car Show in the custom car category for a Ford Mustang, 1964-1969. Along with his father and brothers, Joe started the Fletcher Open Golf Tournament, an annual event that took place the day after Christmas, regardless of weather, from 1984 to 2008. Over the years, the tournament grew to include many from the community. Joe’s love of gardening was evident in the pride he took ensuring his yard always looked its best. He spent hours watering, trimming, and planting. In 2014, he won an award presented by the mayor of Bremerton for community spirit and for the beautification and enhancement of his property. Joe enjoyed traveling, and he and his wife Diane went on countless trips with their dearest friends, David and Dottie Prouse. The four of them did almost everything together to include dinners, house parties, celebrating holidays, special events, and golf. His favorite food was an “all american” hamburger and they could always count on him to order one at just about every restaurant they visited. Joe was a devoted family man. He supported his family to no end, working hard to provide, always giving the best advice, and volunteering to help in any situation. He loved his wife, kids, and grandkids unconditionally. Relishing spending time with family and friends at summer barbecues, family reunions, and holiday parties, Joe was usually the first to show up and was always the last to leave. His brothers often referred to him as “the caboose” because he was always watching out for everyone. Joe is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sisters Mary “Cookie” Morris and Margaret Fletcher; sister- in-law Linda Fletcher and brother-in-law Bill Wood. He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters Kimberly Taylor (Rich), Jill Fletcher, Nicole Niesz (Jeff); son Luke Fletcher (Kate); his 12 grandchildren – Makenzi, Randy, Samuel, Lucy, Taylor, Owen, Abby, Joey, Jackson, Rylee, Nolan, and Ryken; brothers Bob Fletcher and Sam Fletcher (Cindy); sisters Susie Wood, Cindy Owens (Dana), and Rose Fletcher; and brother-in-law Dan Morris. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 15, 2019 in the outdoor shed at The Elks Lodge in Bremerton at 1:00 p.m. Print Obituary Sign Guestbook Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email: Personal Message: Personal Message (required) Confirm: Submit Guestbook entry
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph Norman Fletcher May 31 1942 May 29 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Bremerton, state: Washington