Joseph Lucien Dionne, age 77, of Hebron, CT peacefully passed away on May 31, 2011 in his home following a courageous year long battle with cancer. He was born on February 28, 1934 in Madawaska, ME and was one of 16 children who lived and worked on the family potato farm. At the age of 17, he joined the Army and became an Airborne Ranger serving in the 82nd Airborne Division in the Korean War. He was injured by friendly fire when an artillery strike came short and landed in the middle of his unit. He often said jumping out of planes as a Ranger was one of the greatest experiences of his life. Upon returning from the war, he met "his girl" whom he later married, Barbara Ann Melody. They were married for 54 years. Joe started a career as a painter until finding his calling in the moving industry relocating families from coast to coast for over 30 years. He retired at the age of 67. He made the skill of moving an art form. In retirement he enjoyed spending his time playing poker, going to auctions, watching horse racing, the Yankees and the Cowboys, but most of all, spending time with his family. Joseph is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his sisters: Dorilda Lagasse, Annette Johnson, Constance Dionne, and Angela Charleton, his children: Deborah A. Kulwich and her spouse Mark of Granby, CT, Gail D. Houle and her spouse Raymond of Marlborough, CT, Joseph Richard Dionne and his spouse Carolyn of Coventry, CT, his grandchildren: Stephanie Kulwich, Matthew Kulwich, Britani Houle, Danielle Houle, Erika Houle, Lauren Jo Dionne, Joseph Connor Dionne, and his great grandchildren: Victoria Kulwich and Sabrina Kulwich. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved. All services will be held at John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. in Manchester, CT on Saturday, June 4th. Calling hours will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. with military honors. Family and friends are welcome. Memorial contributions can be made in Joseph's name in lieu of flowers to the Make a Wish Foundation at http://www.wish.org. To share your memories and photos with Joseph's family please visit his memorial tribute at http://www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.