Joseph P. Zora, 88, of Marion died peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Tobey Hospital surrounded by his four children. He was the husband of the late Glenna M. (Akins) Zora and the son of the late Anna M. (Medeiros) and Joseph S. Zora.
Joe was a lifelong resident of Marion and served on numerous committees for over 39 years, including nine consecutive terms as selectman. He loved the town of Marion and enjoyed his time of service.
Joe also loved spending time with his family, especially fishing with his grandchildren. He enjoyed being outdoors at the family farm and working in his vegetable gardens. He was a mechanic by trade and worked at Hiller Company for many years.
Joe was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps and served in World War II, where he was honored with a Purple Heart. He was a longtime active member of the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post # 2425 in Marion.
He is survived by his brother Robert J. Zora and his wife Florence of West Wareham; his sisters, Jeannette Turnbull, Pauline Hiller and Nancy Clarke, all of Marion. He leaves behind his four children, Joseph P. Zora, Jr. and his wife Jane, Patricia A. Harriman, Robert C. Zora and his wife Eileen all of Marion, and Becky A. Zora of Mattapoisett.
Joe also leaves behind six beloved grandchildren, Heather M. (Harriman) Cotton and her husband Derek, Danielle M. Zora and her partner Michael C. Miranda, Helkiah Z. Tinkham and her husband Jesse J. Connor, Heath Z. Harriman, Kristen E. (Zora) Guevara and her husband Armando, and Jennifer M. (Zora) Stewart and her husband Nate. He will be missed by his great grandchildren, Elende, Griffin, Ariana, Alivia, Aidan, Hannah, Katherine, Xavier, Aili and Ian.
Joe is survived by a large extended family, including his niece, Carla J. (Arne) Edwards, her husband George and their children Sarah, Justine and Rory. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward H. Zora, and his sons-in-law, Frank Harriman and George W. Liberty, III.
A graveside service was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Evergreen Cemetery, Marion at 11:00 AM followed by a reception at the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post # 2425, Route 6, Marion. Visiting hours have been omitted.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post # 2425, c/o TD Bank, 237 Main St., Wareham, MA 02571. Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham. For on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com