Joseph Vernon Wilkins, 57, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday March 12. He was born March 13th, 1966 in Gilroy, CA but was raised in Madawaska, Maine after the family relocated.

When he was in his early teens, his family moved to Hartford, Connecticut and he attended Prince Technical High School for Machine Tool with the class of 1984.

He explored many different professions in his career, but the one he enjoyed the most was trucking. He worked for various companies like Atlantic Plywood and Old Dominion, and had many tales about his experiences on the road.

He was known for his dexterity, and always working on multiple projects at once. From fixing the family vehicles, renovating the house, or welding a trailer from an old home gym- he did it all.

He especially loved learning about welding from his son and daughter, Joey and Katrina, while they pursued the Welding and Fabrication program at Cheney Tech.

He always had a special fondness in his heart for his Acadian roots in Northern Maine. He enjoyed visiting Long Lake every year to spend time with family, but most of all he loved his time on the trails riding his quad.

Joseph is survived by his beloved children; Joseph R. Wilkins and Katrina Wilkins of East Hartford, CT; former wife Lynn Cyr Wilkins of East Hartford, CT. He is also survived by his sister Alaina Wilkins of Wellington, KY; his brother Wade Wilkins of Coventry, CT; and his mother Laurette Ouellette Wilkins of Hillsboro, NH.

The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out for their continued support. They have found immense comfort hearing all of the kind words, memories, and stories people shared about Joseph.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please reach out to the family directly, or make a donation to your local animal shelter.