Joseph B. Bliven
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On Sunday, December 19, 2021, Joseph B. Bliven, loving husband and father, peacefully passed away after a long illness. He was 79.
Joe was born December 1, 1942, to Joseph H. and Alice (Cross) Bliven in Westerly, Rhode Island. During his youth, Joe was known by his middle name Brian. Joe had four daughters by his first marriage and on July 14, 1974, he married the love of his life, Alice (Clark) Bliven in Concord, NH, combining their two families into one.
Joe enjoyed working with his hands and spent most of his professional life as a press mechanic, most notably for Harris Seybold and Dartmouth Printing. He also worked as a machinist and after retirement, spent many hours in his workshop, making beautiful wood creations to sell at craft fairs. He was especially proud of his intricate marble machines.
In 1978, Joe and Alice moved to Enfield, NH with their six children. Joe loved working with large animals and spent many years traveling in New England with his oxen as a member of the New England Ox Teamsters. After a move to Corinth, VT Joe owned horses and learned to drive carriages for competition.
Late in his life, Joe and Alice went on a "great adventure" and lived in Greensburg, KY for several years until Joe's health made it necessary to move back to NH to be nearer family.
Joe was a kind and humble man. He was always willing to show and teach about things he knew, or things he did, but never one to brag of his accomplishments. Always the quiet one in the conversation, Joe never drew attention to himself but willingly shared his wisdom with those who needed it.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph H. Bliven. His is survived by his wife, Alice, his daughters, Kathy (and Mike) McCullough, Beth (and Jim) Rice, Michelle (and Dennis) Lewis and Cindy (and Darrell) Phillips; by his sons Brad (and Kerry) Johnson and Steve Johnson and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, Alice Bliven and his brother Bill (and Barbara) both of Westerly RI.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 27th, 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School Street, Lebanon, NH. A graveside service will be held in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to Upper Valley Turning Point, 200 Olcott Dr. Hartford, VT 05001.
An online guestbook is available to leave a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com