Joseph Pomerleau ... celebrated folk musician; at 89

ROCHESTER - Joseph R. D. Pomerleau, 89, died on Saturday April 23, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

Born September 11, 1932, in Lanesboro, Mass., he was the son of Joseph N. and Elsie (Tremblay) Pomerleau.

Mr. Pomerleau served during the Korean War. He later worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for various companies throughout his career.

Joe was an accomplished musician from a young age. He had a special love of country, bluegrass, and French Canadian cultural music, where he represented New Hampshire at the American Folk Life Festival in 1976, and subsequent years for the National Endowment of the Arts, where he is registered as a "National Treasure" in the Library of Congress for his accomplishments. He was also an expert garlic farmer. Above all else Joe loved his family.

Members of his family include his children Bruce Pomerleau and wife Colette of Gonic; Jean Pomerleau of Dover; David Pomerleau and wife Bobbie of Strafford; Donna Landolfi and husband Larry of Rochester; and Gary Pomerleau and wife Julie of Gonic; ten grandchildren, and several great grandchildren, his beloved companion Nancy Gerrish of Rochester; his siblings Arthur Pomerleau, Theresa Tolman, Betty Tufts, and Annette Cook and Joe Penta Many Nieces and nephews.