Joseph Frank Bourque, 91, of Hudson, NH, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack NH. He was born on February 15, 1935, in Lawrence, MA, and later adopted by the late Frank Bourque and Diane E. Dubord Bourque.

Joseph joined the United States Marine Corps and was extremely proud of his service, spanning from 1952 to 1955. His desire to be an electrician was realized following his discharge from the Marine Corps, when he became an apprentice electrician in 1956 with IBEW of Massachusetts, while also attending school. After receiving his electrical license, he worked at Western Electric, Manzi Electric and Raytheon. In 1969, Joseph became the part-time electrical inspector for the town of Salem, NH and later was appointed full-time electrical inspector. He advanced to Full-Time electrical Inspector for the State of NH before later retiring after many years.

Throughout his long and successful career, Joe implemented many ordinances from the National Electrical code and was considered a mentor by many in his field. He endeavored to remain an active member of many associations, including the Electrical Contractors Business Association, International Association of Electrical Inspectors, National Fire Protection Member, and NH Building Officials Association. For his dedication to his craft, Joe humbly received a number of awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award (IAEI 2022,) Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service (Salem, NH 1971-1983,) Mentor Awards and Appreciation Awards from the Governor of NH, as well as the Municipal & International Association of Electrical Inspectors Association.

Truly having loved what he did for a living, Joe even returned to work part-time as Electrical Inspector for the Town of Hudson, NH as a contractor until he finally retired in 2000.

In his free time, Joe was a Red Sox fan and even travelled across the country to attend as many of their games as possible. With his beloved wife, Eileen, at his side, Joe also cruised to a number of locations, with Bermuda being a favorite of theirs. He was a devoted Catholic and Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s Church in Salem, NH, and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe took tremendous pride in his home and was frequently seen working to keep his lawn immaculate while out on his John Deere. Joe was also a friend to everyone and was sure to find time for them all.

Beyond everything, Joe most treasured his family. He loved spending time with his two daughters and son-in-law, dining out and having cookouts. He adored his two grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren, and always looked forward to taking them to Canobie Lake Park every summer. While the family is devastated at the loss of their patriarch, it brings them comfort knowing that he is once again reunited with the love of his life, Eileen, for whom he had been without for the last fifteen years.

Joseph is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Ann Bourque of Hudson, NH, and Linda Marie Avery and her husband Kevin of Salisbury, MA; and his brother, William Andrukaitis of Lawrence, MA; granddaughter, Haley Avery Beaton; grandson, Nicholas J. Avery; his two great-grandchildren, Cyrena and Alex; in addition to many members of his extended family and lifelong friends.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Eileen M. (Fredette) Bourque of Salem, NH; and two of his siblings.

Visitation will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 4 – 7pm, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham NH 03087. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, beginning at 10am, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2 Searles Road, Windham NH 03087. Burial will take place at the NH State Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, NH, on November 16 at 11:00 AM.

For directions or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com