Joseph M. Caron, 77 , of Salem, NH passed away on Friday, May 5th at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle against cancer.

Joe, aka Papa Joe, was born and educated in Lawrence, MA, the son of the late Rita (Desruisseaux) and Joseph Caron. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and he received his Bachelor's Degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Joe had a long and varied career. He retired from Mortgage Specialists in Plaistow, NH where he was a loan officer. He previously owned and operated Caron's Package Store in Lawrence, MA, he was a restaurateur, he worked at the IRS and he formerly managed Rite Aid in Lawrence, MA. He coached his children's softball and basketball teams in Methuen, MA when they were growing up. Joe enjoyed a good cigar, traveling to Florida, playing cards and cook outs with his family.

Joe will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Francis (Perez) Caron of Salem, NH; his five children, Brian Caron and his wife Susan of Windham, NH, Nicole Settineri and her husband Jason of Lee, NH, Andrea Hayes and her husband Brian of Kingston, NH, Kathryn Caron of Salem, NH and David Caron of Salem, NH; his sisters, Angeline LaCroix of Methuen, MA, Janet Newcombe and her husband Barry of Windham, NH and Kathi Jenkins of Concord, NH; his five grandchildren, Joseph and Anthony Settineri, Hailey and Abigail Caron and Brady Hayes; his loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and his canine companion, Stella.

He was predeceased by his brother, William Caron and his brother-in-law, Carl Jenkins.

Visitation will be on Sunday, May 7 ^th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 7:00 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St, Salem, NH 03079. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to David Caron's college fund via cash or check c/o Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH 03079.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com