KENNEBUNK – Joseph Francis Bush Sr., 84, a longtime resident of Kennebunk and Arundel, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at Kennebunk Center for Health and Rehabilitation after a brief illness.

Joe was born Oct. 30, 1931, in Biddeford, a son of Joseph J. and Frances (Bartlett) Bush. He was a graduate of Kennebunk High School Class of 1950.

Mr. Bush served his country in the U.S. Air Force. After he was discharged, he worked for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a planner/ estimator for many years, retiring in 1986.

In 1952, he married the love of his life, Esther Wormwood, and together they celebrated 63 years of marriage and raised their five children.

He was a communicant of St. Martha’s Church in Kennebunk. He enjoyed camping, taking walks, carpentry and spending time with his loving children and grandchildren. He and Esther spent many winters in Avon Park, Florida.

He was preceded in death by: a brother, Robert Bush; two sisters, Susan Calder and Lorraine White; and a son-in-law, Rick Dues.

He is survived by: his wife, Esther (Wormwood) Bush of Kennebunk; a son, Joseph F. Bush Jr. and his wife Beth of Kennebunk; four daughters, Evelyn Cole and husband Kenneth, Cindy Dues and Diane Reynolds, all of Kennebunk, and Karen Lapara of Avon Park, Florida; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his longtime childhood friend, Andy Smith of Arundel.

There is no visitation. A memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Martha’s Church, Kennebunk. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Biddeford at a later date.

Should friends desire, donations in Mr. Bush’s memory may be made to: Kennebunk Center for Health and Rehabilitation, Attn: Activities Dept., 158 Ross Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Joe’s Book of Memories Page at bibberfuneral.com.