Joseph Marie Rex Patchett left this world early in the morning of November 23, 2025; on the Feast of Christ the King. After 90 years his heart finally gave out. Joseph was born on April 1st, 1935 in San Luis Obispo, California. He was the second of six children to Josephine and Hubert Patchett, sisters Jacki, Mona, Patty and Melody and brother Happy. Joseph often reminisced about his days as a boy running around barefoot, shooting hares under the dark of night, and completely deconstructing and rebuilding a Ford Model T to understand how it worked.
His curious nature sent him seeking answers early in his life. He tried a semester of college, fought fires for the National Forest Service and joined the Air Force in 1954. While enlisted, he was in a serious car crash that crushed his lower vertebrae and rendered him immobile in a half body cast for months. It was during this period of his life that he was forced to be still, alone with his thoughts, and contemplate his life. He described having transformative spiritual experiences that ultimately led him to his Catholic faith. While in Okinawa, Japan, Joseph converted to Catholicism by Fr. Rooter at the Air Force base.
Seeking a spiritual life, he spent 9 years studying in Montfort seminary. He met, fell in love and married Mary Patchett in 1969 and had six “rascals” between 1970 and 1986 - Dara, John, Teresa, Joseph, Christopher and Mary Joy Patchett.
Joseph’s definitive characteristics were his humility and resourceful simple life values. For example, he never wanted to spend more than 100 dollars on a car, and could “fix” most problems with duct tape and a hot glue gun. Setting up shop in Pennsylvania, the young family sold planter boxes at craft shows around the northeast. One memorable calling was housing his family in a converted blue school bus and driving across the country to the west coast. The family remembers the bus breaking down in the desert. Joseph had the whole family lay their hands on the bus to pray for it to start. It made it to the next stop, showcasing his unbreakable faith and positive mindset. His ability to share his kindness, generosity of heart and turn obstacles into adventures, highlighted his young spirited attitude and magnanimous personality.
After obtaining his Masters in Lay Ministry at Seattle University in 1978, the family moved back East. In Pennsylvania, they ministered at the House of His Creation where he and Mary fostered young pregnant teenagers and supported 31 births. Joseph and his family moved many times all around the country until settling in Essex County, Massachusetts. Joseph and Mary divorced but remained friends and neighbors enjoying family together to the end.
Throughout his adulthood he deepened his spiritual life by studying the lives of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross. This strengthened his devotion to mystic Catholicism and ultimately led him to become a Carmelite. He could often be found in quiet contemplation or recording readings of these mystic saints. Joseph was considered one of the leading experts on St John of the Cross. He built a large community of faith. The last decades of his life he was happily surrounded by his religious family; active in chorus, catechism and leading prayer groups. Joseph was well loved, and was eternally grateful for their generosity and caring support that he received.
He was predeceased by his parents Josephine and Hubert Patchett, and sisters Mona, Janice and Melody. Joseph is survived by his sister Patti and brother Happy and multiple west coast extended family and friends. He is also survived by his ex-wife Mary, all their children, and five grandchildren Garrett Holbrook, Noah (and Lilly) Oja, Zachariah Oja, Eldan and Willow McCarter Patchett. And if you are reading this, Joe would say: "Blessed be; survived by you too!”.
Family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday November 29, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church. Joseph’s Funeral Mass will follow in the Church, with burial in the Veterans Section of Old Hill Cemetery in Newburyport. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Patchett’s family with his arrangements.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, we welcome you to contribute to our Gofundme to off-set the funeral costs. If the goal is met, any excess will be donated to the Immaculate Conception’s ministry and the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Danvers. https://gofund.me/1e2756b1e
