Eliot - Joe Lyman passed away peacefully with his wife by his side, Wednesday, April 13 at the age of 79. Joseph Kenneth Lyman was born on September 20, 1942, in Portland Maine, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Goodwin) Lyman. He grew up in Eliot and was a lifelong resident of the town. He graduated from Eliot High School in 1960 and then enlisted in the US Army in 1961. He was stationed in South Korea, and it was there he met the love of his life, Maria Ann (Yong Su) who his parents called an "angel."

Joe worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for over 26 years as a mechanic and planner in Shop 38, retiring in 1993. From there Joe worked at hardware stores in Newington and Portsmouth, including Home Quarters and Home Depot. He enjoyed helping people find the things they needed and to strike up a conversation with friends he had met throughout the years. Joe was a good athlete in high school and loved watching all sports, including his son's high school sporting events. Later he enjoyed spending time with his 4 grandchildren. Whether it was trips to Disney, walking on the beach to find shells, apple picking or visiting petting zoos, Joe cherished every moment he spent with each one of them.

Joe was very active in his community including the Eliot United Methodist Church, Eliot Alumni Association and the Eliot Historical Society. He was also a member of the Kittery Lions Club and the US Bowling Congress.

Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years Maria; sons Mark Lyman (wife Brenda) of Eliot, Brian Lyman (wife Helen) of Conway, South Carolina; Four grandchildren, Taylor, Cameron, Sarah and Emily; his sisters Janice Titus of Portsmouth and Joan Stein of Dade City, Florida; his brothers Kevin Lyman of Dover and Jon Lyman of Eliot. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Judy Leavitt and brother Jack Lyman.

A funeral service for close family and friends is planned for May. Any donations can be made in his name to any SPCA or animal shelter. To leave online condolences please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com .  Care for the Lyman family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.