Joseph W. Cournoyer

Joseph W. Cournoyer, 76, of Temple, NH died on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene after a period of failing health.

‘Joe’ was born in Janesville, WI on June 18, 1944, son of the late Wilfred and Mary (Ryan) Cournoyer. He was a 1962 graduate of Conant High School in Jaffrey and earned his bachelor’s in education from Keene State College in 1966. Soon after, he married Margaret ‘Peggy’ Willard in Temple, on June 12, 1966, and they enjoyed almost 55 years of marriage.

Joe went on to serve his country in the US Army from 1966 to 1968 and was stationed in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, Joe continued his education, and he earned his master’s in education in 1974. He and his family had moved to North Woodstock, NH where Joe taught Social Studies and Physical Education in the Lin-Wood School District for five years.

In 1973 Joe and his family moved back to the town of Temple, where he settled and took over the operation of Willard’s Store, also known as the Temple store.

Joe was involved in sports his entire life, and he loved the town of Temple. He soon became the manager and coach of the Temple Tigers Softball team and Temple Little League teams and brought them to several championships. He also served on the town’s recreation commission, a position he treasured for more than 40 years. He played the role of Santa at many events and was considered ‘one of the good guys’ by the town’s youngsters, who would often visit the store just to see Joe.

During his years in town, he was a member of the Temple Volunteer Fire Department and served as the Temple Fire Warden. He also enjoyed being active in the Souhegan Lions Club, as well as coaching the Mascenic Vikings and the Conant Orioles basketball teams for many years.

In his free time, Joe enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles, listening to country music, and spending time with his family and his pets, especially ‘Oprah’. In 1981 Joe enjoyed getting a cameo role in the movie “Summer” which was filmed in Temple.

Joe is survived by his wife, Peggy, and by his 3 sons, Scott, Jeffrey, and Daniel; grandson Kevin, (wife Heather); and 3 great grandchildren, Wyatt, Lilly and Lylia of Knightstown, IN; and granddaughter Ashleigh of Swanzey, NH. He also leaves behind his sister, Marie E. Vonk of Tempe, AZ; his brother Philip J. Cournoyer and his wife Pat of Jaffrey; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Priscilla and David Johnson of Winchendon, MA, and countless other relatives in Wisconsin and Illinois.

There will be no formal services or gatherings at this time, but a celebration of Joe’s life is planned to take place in Temple on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to Kitty Rescue and Adoption, PO Box 468, Jaffrey, NH 03452; or to the Temple Bicentennial Scholarship Fund, c/o Trustees of the Trust Funds, PO Box 191, Temple, NH 03084.