Joel L Whitcomb

Mr. Joel L. Whitcomb, age 76, of 572 W. Housatonic St. Pittsfield, died Tuesday, May 4th at Vista Healthcare in Melbourne, FL after a short illness.

He was born Pittsfield, June 13, 1944, the only child of Glen I. and Maria Disco Whitcomb. Educated in the local schools, he was a 1962 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Joel was a graduate of both the machinists’ and management programs at the former General Electric Co. Power Transfer Dept.

In 1974, he and his wife, Julia, established  J & J Custom, Inc., an auto and parts dealership on Cadwell Rd. and together, they  operated the business for the past 47 years. For the past 16 years, they wintered in Indiatlantic, FL.

He and his wife, the former Julia A. Caritey, would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past Friday, May 14th.

In addition to his wife, Joel is survived by his daughter, Wendy A. Whitcomb of Pittsfield, and his grandson, Zackary B. Whitcomb of Indialantic, FL.

His son, Glen L. Whitcomb, preceded him on May 24, 2019.

A Life Member of the Harley Owners Group, “HOG” he loved his bikes and fast cars. A member of the Pit Crew for the Virgilio Racing, the team was a Lebanon Valley champion in the teams’ car number 14 for three straight years. He loved to travel around the country and attend car shows. Joel would be able to tell you the year, make and model as well the motor size and the gear set up just by walking up to a car. He was a Life Member of the Pittsfield Lodge of Elks, #272, and was a very solid member and supporter of the NRA.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 22nd at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home from 3 to 6PM. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made payable to: “Ralph J. Froio Senior Center” and mailed to the funeral home at 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201