Joseph (Joe) R. Kingston, of Reading, devoted husband of Joan A. (Fritsch) Kingston, (married 55 years) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the age of 78.

Joe was born in Savannah Georgia on February 4, 1945, the son of the late Joseph (Rolly) Kingston and the late June (Graves) Kingston. After his father's untimely death, he and his sisters were adopted by their step father, Edwin (Ted) Nelson.

Joe graduated from Huntington School and Northeastern University. He worked for Vogue Dolls (a family company) in various capacities and later migrated to air compressor sales and service, eventually owning his own company. In later years he did various handyman services.

He and his sisters spent their youth as summer campers. Joe spent his teens working on Sandy Island (YMCA family camp). Here his "Jack of all trades" mind set would really shine. His time there would help shape the man he would become.

He was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Reading, U.C.C. serving in many capacities there. He chaired the property committee, sang in the choir and played handbells. He was always available to build, repair, or troubleshoot issues in the building. He enjoyed being part of "Cum Dubbles", followed by "Thee Gang", loved the square dancing sessions and playing crazy whist. The family enjoyed camping trips with other church families.

When his children were growing, he helped coach Reading Youth Baseball and was a leader in Cub and Boy Scout Troops. He also enjoyed a bowling league, PP softball team, and volleyball with the YMCA. He loved watching sports and Road Runner cartoons.

When he retired, he ventured to Ghana with a cherished friend for a life changing adventure.

He was a good cook and made the best potato salad and fish chowder in the family.

In addition to his wife, Joan, Joe is survived by two children, Joe, Jr. and his wife April of Billerica, and Kate (Katherine) and her husband Lance Williams of Stoddard NH. He is also Papa Weebles to three grandchildren, Victoria and Benjamin Kingston of Billerica and Marisa Williams of Stoddard, NH.

Joe's siblings are Carol Lee of Miami FL, Marsha (Mouse) Kingston and her husband Don DeAngelis of Danvers, Carl Nelson and his wife Alexandra of Thropston, Kittering, England, Wayne Nelson and his wife Argentina (Luz) Nelson of Loxahatchee FL and the late Wendy Nelson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, September 23rd at 11a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Reading on 25 Woburn St., Reading, followed by a collation in Guild Hall at the church. There are no visiting hours and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the First Congregational Church of Reading at the above address or to a GIST cancer support group: The Life Raft Group, 155 US Highway 45, Suite 202, Wayne, NJ 07470 USA (https://liferaftgroup.org/donate-2/)