Joseph Thomas Scanlan, age 80, passed away on Sunday, June 30, surrounded by family and loved ones, following a brief illness. Joe was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 25, 1939. He moved to the United States in 1991 and proudly became an American citizen in 1995.
He attended St. Patrick’s High School, and went on to study chemistry at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. He earned several certifications regarding various chemicals and how to use them. This was the launchpad for his long and productive working career.
For a number of years, Joe worked for Dow Chemicals of Canada. Following that, he owned and operated his own manufacturing business, producing cleaning products for various businesses and institutions throughout eastern Canada. After moving to Hendersonville, he was employed by Clement Pappas of Mountain Home Industrial Park, formulating, blending and mixing juice products.
In retirement, Joe kept up his active life. He enjoyed Harness horse racing, woodworking, and loved music from the 1950’s. Joe had a passion for sports, avidly following his favorite teams, which included the hockey Pittsburgh Penguins, the Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. He was a member of the same football pool for over 30 years.
He married his lovely wife Kathleen in 1990. When she resumed teaching piano in Hendersonville, he whole-heartedly supported her, and indeed, was her biggest fan. Joe was a fixture at the twice-a-year recitals Kathy staged for her students, always applauding and encouraging their progress. Joe had a special way with people – he never met a stranger. He was thoughtful and generous to everyone he met. He loved coming up with special little gifts for people, whether they were his own friends or Kathy’s piano students.
Joe loved having breakfast at Pop’s Diner – he was the unofficial “Mayor” of the morning coffee crowd. Everyone remembers Joe’s wonderful sense of humor. He often displayed it in the many sayings he liked to use. One of his favorites was, “If if’s and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a nice Christmas.”
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Bernard and Rose Manerva Atkins Scanlan, and one brother, Bernie. Joe is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 29 years; his four children, Blair (Carol); Brian; Joanne (Jeff) and Kevin; and four grandchildren; Michael, Alex, Jamie, and Emma. Additionally. he is survived by numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, living in both Canada and the United States.
If you would like to honor Joe’s memory, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, a cause near to his heart. You can call 1-800-805-5856 to donate or mail a check to Memorial and Honor Gifts, PO Box 1000, Memphis, Tn. 38105.
The memorial service will be on Friday, July 5th, at 2pm, with visitation one hour prior, at Jackson Funeral Service.