Joel C. Emrick

Joel Calvin Emrick, 75, of Leonard Street, a lifelong native of the village of Leeds passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, October 28, 2023. In addition to his family and friends, Joel loved the Dodgers, Pemaquid, Cooperstown, and drumming. Joel was born in Northampton on June 27, 1948, a son of Ralph Emrick and Marion (Lynch) Emrick. Joel grew up in Leeds with his siblings; Mary Jane Emrick and Sharon Dumas and continued to reside in the family homestead on Leonard Street. He worked at the Northampton State Hospital for most of his life and retired after 23 years as the Superintendent of the Grounds and Garage departments. Joel could always be seen with a camera in his hand, whether at family gatherings, Cooperstown old timers’ games, a local parade, or the Three County Fair where he and his wife, Mary Lee (Sullivan) volunteered for many years. He had a deep appreciation for music and played drums in many area bands dating back from the early 1960’s until he was diagnosed with cancer last year. Joel’s wife of 52 years, Mary Lee passed away on October 27, 2020, and his sister, Sharon Dumas also predeceased him. Joel leaves his beloved daughters; Kimberly Emrick-Bryan and husband Jeb Bryan in Boston; and Lisa Emrick MD and husband Don-Carlos Scarborough in Houston, Texas; along with three beloved granddaughters, Evelyn and Lena Kittredge, and Carolyn-Analee Scarborough, his dear sister, Mary Jane Emrick, and a plethora of family and friends. Joel ‘s quiet way and sincere kindness will be greatly missed. Joel’s final request was to come home to his beloved Leeds. VISITING HOURS AT AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 FROM 4:00 TO 7:00 P.M. FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL GATHER TO CELEBRATE A LITURGY OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL IN KEEPING WITH JOEL’S FAITH ON THURSDAY, NOV. 9, 2023 AT 11:00 A.M. AT OUR LADY OF THE HILLS PARISH, MAIN ST., HAYDENVILLE. Joel will be cremated following the mass and his ashes are to be scattered in his favorite places. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105