HUDSON FALLS – Joseph (Joe) E. Michaud, of Hudson Falls passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, at Glens Falls Hospital after a short illness at the age of 97.
He was born to the late Rosaire and Florida (Caron) Michaud on February 7, 1928, in Waterville, Maine and was one of seven children.
Joseph graduated as a basketball star from Waterville High School in 1946 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after. He was honored to have served his country during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea and the U.S.S. Oriskany. Upon his honorable discharge, he began working for Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford Connecticut in the manufacturing of aircraft engines.
In 1962, Joe moved to Hudson Falls and in 1966 he became the proud owner of The Old Homestead Bar & Restaurant, Inc. until his retirement at the age of 90. Throughout his 55 years there he definitely saw it all and loved every moment. He always believed that if you enjoyed what you were doing, it never felt like work. He felt privileged to be part of so many lives and strived to make sure that people never felt alone. Joe simply did not just exist in the world but embraced every second with a calm and happy demeanor. He loved his family, tanning by his pool, watching sports and knowing what everyone was up to. It was a life well lived.
In 1971 Joe married and blended families with Sondra L. Michaud who was always by his side throughout their 48 years of marriage.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his wife Sondra, numerous brothers and sisters, son-in-law, Cesar Sanchez and his grandsons, Tylor Michaud and Austin Lutz.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Paul (Linda) Michaud of Hudson Falls, Tim (Robin) Copeland of Newark, Ohio, Belinda (Steve) Sundberg of South Carolina, Patti (Joan Bondira) Michaud of Pittsburgh, PA, Colleen (Doug) Smith of Leesburg, VA and Susan M. Sanchez of Hudson Falls; nine grandchildren; Katie (Matt) Authier and their children, Reagan and Drew; Tim (Becky) Copeland III and their children, Kinsley and Ashlyn; Carolyn (Eric) Walkup, Bobby (Megan) Copeland, Jordan Lutz, Jada Smith, Dakota Smith, Mia and Ava Sanchez, sister Jackie, numerous nieces and nephews, his longtime best friend Tom Mercure, and many other cherished friends.
At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours, however a memorial mass and a burial at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to S.A.I.L., 71 Glenwood Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804 or a charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to thank Dr. Filion and his staff for their ongoing care of Joseph for over twenty years, Dr. Dennett & staff at the VA and Adirondack Seafood for his weekly Friday fish dinners.