Obituary of Joseph Gougeon

Joseph J. Gougeon, Jr. 65, of Freehold Township passed away on Monday, August 11, 2014 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Joe was born in Perth Amboy, grew up in Woodbridge and lived in North Edison before settling here in 1993. In 1967, he began serving his apprenticeship as a steamfitter with Local 475 and was then drafted in to the United States Army. Joe served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star along with many other medals. He returned home to continue his work as a steamfitter until he retired in 1997. Joe was a devoted husband and father, and a loving son and brother. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, as well as a member of the National Rifle Association. Joseph was predeceased by his father, Joseph J. Gougeon in 1995. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Leokadia "Lee" Gougeon; one son, Anthony "Tony" Balletta of Edison; one daughter, Nadine Anne Balletta of Freehold Township; his mother, Mary Gougeon of Woodbridge; two sisters, Charlotte Kierst and her husband, Craig of Sayreville and Jeanette Hercik and her husband, Scott of Oakton, VA; his mother-in-law, Nadziezda Niepiejn of Fords; two sisters-in-law, Taisa Niepiejn of Edison and Regina Kayla and her husband, Thomas of Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, August 15, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 8:45 AM at the funeral home on Saturday, August 16, 2014 for the procession to his 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Gabriel's Church, 100 N. Main Street St. (Route 520), Marlboro. Entombment will follow at St. Gabriel Mausoleum, Marlboro. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.