Obituary for Joseph F Orpen Jr.
Joseph Francis Orpen, Jr. passed away on April 19, 2019; he was 77 years old. Joe was born on October 21, 1941 to Joseph and Ellinor Orpen and raised in Medford, MA with his three younger siblings Denis, Carol, and Richard.
Joe was a career electrical engineer, earning his B.S. from Tufts University (63’) and M.S. from Northeastern University (70’). Joe specialized in the design and construction of large-scale power generation stations across the United States and served as a consultant on international projects. In 1966 Joe married the love of his life, Dianne Amidon Orpen, who tragically predeceased him when she was only 63. The only thing that kept Joe from Dianne’s side was a yearlong tour of duty in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969, where he earned the Army Commendation Medal. Joe and Dianne lived their entire married lives together in Medfield and were active members of the United Church of Christ. Some of their fondest vacation destinations included Ocean City, MD and Block Island, RI.
Joe is survived by two sons, Christopher and wife Stacey (Norwood, MA) and Gregory and wife Mairéad (Groton, MA). Joe is grandfather to Mia and Ryan Orpen (Norwood) and John, Owen, and Kelly Orpen (Groton).
A wake will be held at Roberts Mitchell Caruso Funeral home on Monday, April 29th from 4 to 8 pm. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at the United Church of Christ in Medfield on Tuesday, April 30th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be in made to the Fisher House Foundation
Joe was a career electrical engineer, earning his B.S. from Tufts University (63’) and M.S. from Northeastern University (70’). Joe specialized in the design and construction of large-scale power generation stations across the United States and served as a consultant on international projects. In 1966 Joe married the love of his life, Dianne Amidon Orpen, who tragically predeceased him when she was only 63. The only thing that kept Joe from Dianne’s side was a yearlong tour of duty in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969, where he earned the Army Commendation Medal. Joe and Dianne lived their entire married lives together in Medfield and were active members of the United Church of Christ. Some of their fondest vacation destinations included Ocean City, MD and Block Island, RI.
Joe is survived by two sons, Christopher and wife Stacey (Norwood, MA) and Gregory and wife Mairéad (Groton, MA). Joe is grandfather to Mia and Ryan Orpen (Norwood) and John, Owen, and Kelly Orpen (Groton).
A wake will be held at Roberts Mitchell Caruso Funeral home on Monday, April 29th from 4 to 8 pm. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at the United Church of Christ in Medfield on Tuesday, April 30th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be in made to the Fisher House Foundation