Purnell "Joe" Guard, Jr., 84

Purnell "Joe" Guard, Jr., 84, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He was the husband of Nancy I. (Borges) Guard for 61 years. Born in Greensboro, NC, son of the late Purnell Hall Guard Sr., and Mary (Finnegan) Guard, he lived and raised his family in Mattapoisett before moving back to Cary, North Carolina. He returned to Fairhaven as soon as his grandchildren were born and spent many winters in Florida. Survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Steven Guard, Esq. and his wife Kathi of Scituate, Thomas Guard and his wife Michele of Marion, and Joseph Guard and his partner Emilie Barland of Jupiter, FL; his sister Rosemary Winkler and her husband Skip and predeceased by his brother Bruce Guard and his wife Jackie; and his grandchildren, Rachel, Adam, Michaela, Hannah, Chase, Tucker and Eliza Guard.

Joe was an avid golfer and proud member of the Reservation Golf Course where he was regarded as an accomplished golfer and a dedicated member. In 1972 he founded Joe's Arco a/k/a Guard Auto Center and Family Oil in Mattapoisett where he served the automotive needs of his customers throughout the South Coast for many years. As an avid car enthusiast, Joe was able to spend his life doing what he loved. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1958 to 1962 and sailed aboard the USCG cutter "Eagle," the United States Coast Guard Academy training ship, where he was able to make two transatlantic voyages to Europe. While stationed in Nantucket he met his wife of 61 years on leave in New Bedford and settled in New England. He was most proud of and dedicated his life to his three sons with whom he shared his entrepreneurial experience and guidance every day. He was beloved by the staff of Guard Oil in Fairhaven where he spent much of his time in retirement and enjoyed being a part of the day-to-day activities. Joe was known for his gardening skills and the small scale train he built himself and drove in many parades where he won various awards. Joe's greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren who fondly named him "Grampy." He brightened the faces of everyone whenever he was around. His smile made you smile. His shining eyes, expressive face and easy laughter will be held in our hearts forever. We will miss you Dad.

His Funeral will be held on Friday, October 3rd at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday October 2nd from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com