Wales/Charlton: Joseph E. Allen, 77, formerly of Charlton and Southbridge, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 21 ^st , in the Meadows of Central Massachusetts-Leicester, after a long illness.

He was born in Charlton the son of the late Mansfield and Lucy (Suitter) Allen.  Joe leaves his three sisters, Pamella Aucoin and her husband Ronald of Southbridge, Darlene Allen Nadeau of Southbridge and Roxanne Allen of Southbridge; his seven nephews, Ronnie Aucoin, Timothy Aucoin, Anthony Aucoin, Louis Ferraro, Jeff Szczypien, Chad Szczypien and Andy Allen; his three nieces, Heather Aucoin, Kim Morse and Penny Cote.  His sister, Verna Ferraro, recently passed away this past November.

Joe worked at Yankee Spirits, retiring many years ago.  He also previously worked at Grudzien Auto Body in Southbridge.  His lifetime wish was to be a police officer and he had a special friendship with the Southbridge Police Department.  Joe loved music, especially rock and roll, and had his own music room where he spent hours playing his drums, guitar and other instruments. He loved going to concerts and went five times to see his favorite band, ZZ Top.  He also loved to draw, work on cars and was a regular at all of the local car shows.

Joe loved his family and had special times with all of them.  He attended Mass and had a special love for his best friend Jesus.  No more pain and suffering for Joe.  You will be missed by your family and your friends.  We love you Joe.

A funeral Mass for Joe will be held on Monday, Jan. 30 ^th , at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 267 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge.  There are no calling hours.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.