Joseph Stephen Marlow

Joseph S. Marlow, 86, of Palmer passed away on September 25,2025. Born in Springfield, on March 27, 1939 to Stephen and Irene (Gamache) Marlow, Joseph grew up attending Springfield schools before entering the U.S. Army National Guard in 1957. There he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.

Joseph was creative person in life and his careers. He worked at Hazen Paper, Milton Bradley, Smith & Wesson, and Chapman Valve before retiring in 2007. Away from work his creativity flourished in different projects he took on. He enjoyed painting, diamond painting, woodworking, and tinkering of all sorts.

He met his late wife, Nancy, while working at Tampax Co. in Palmer. Joseph and Nancy spent 38 years together before her passing in November of 2008. Along with his wife, Joseph was predeceased by his two sisters Elizabeth Walker and Janet Eldredge, his son Richard Gregory, and his grandson Francis Joseph. He leaves behind his four children, Joseph Marlow Jr. and his wife Angela of Springfield, Patty Marcum of Eastpoint, FL, Christina Hedges and her husband Michael of Chicopee, and Ann Marie Jones and her husband Clinton of Springfield. Joseph leaves his three brothers, Ronald Marlow of Springfield, Richard Marlow of Tennessee, and George Marlow of Arizona. He leaves his six grandchildren, Mark Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Bianca Marlow, Thomas Thans, and Nancy Pitts as well as five great-grandchildren. Lastly, he leaves his niece and caregiver Lynn Martin, along with many other nieces and nephews.

Services for Joseph are private at the request of the family. Ratell Funeral home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave remembrances or words of sympathy for the family, please visit www.ratellfuneralhome.com