Timothy J. Josti Sr., 67, of Spencer, after a courageous battle with cancer, completed his earthly work and peacefully joined God on Thursday, May 19, 2016 while surrounded by his family.

A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he will be greatly missed. Timothy was born on June 27, 1948 in Worcester, MA son of Walter F. and Jeannette C. (Miller) Josti. He married his high school sweetheart, and greatest advocate, Jean P. (McCaffrey), 44 years ago. He leaves his children: Timothy J. Josti, Jr. and his wife, Tamara, of East Brookfield, MA and Heather A.J. Harris, and her husband, Jermaine, of Chula Vista, CA. His five grandchildren, Cody, Logan, Tyler, Kristen and Emily were a constant source of pride, joy and entertainment. He leaves his sister, Mary E. Caramiello, and her husband, Joseph, of Auburn, MA, his brother, Daniel F. Josti, and his wife, Linda, of Standish, ME, and sisters-in-law, Linda Josti of Shrewsbury, MA and Gail Woodcock, and her husband, John, of Jewett City, CT. He is predeceased by his brother, Walter J. Josti. He also leaves his uncle, John Miller, and his wife, Barbara, of Worcester, MA. He leaves five Godchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Timothy was educated in the Worcester Public Schools, graduating from Burncoat Senior High School in 1967. Following graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for more than four years in 442nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant while being a crew chief for helicopters and F-111 fighter bombers. He was honorably discharged in May of 1972, and then attended Leicester Junior College, receiving an Associates Degree in 1974. He continued his education at Fitchburg State College receiving both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Technology Education. He taught industrial arts at Stetson School for Boys in Barre, MA for thirteen years. His next twenty years were spent teaching in the communities of Worcester, Southbridge, Leicester, and North Brookfield. During this time, he developed and grew technology education programs, frequently utilizing contributions he received from local businesses.

His love of Scouting began when he became a Cub Scout and continued throughout his life. He served as a cubmaster, assistant scoutmaster, a unit commissioner, unit charter organization representative and returned as a den leader when his grandsons began scouting. The world of scouting offered many opportunities including meeting Jean, fifty-one years ago, at a joint Boy Scout – Girl Scout event. They continued to share their love of scouting and camping with their own family.

Tim’s life was filled with many varied activities. He enjoyed SCUBA diving, including rescue diving under the ice, woodworking, and going to the beach. He was known to have many jokes and would leave people smiling wherever he went. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 118 and the American Legion Post 138.

For more than thirty-five years, he shared a deep faith as an active parishioner of Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish in Spencer. He was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, one of the first in the Diocese of Worcester. He was also a Religious Education Teacher, committee member for numerous dinner dances, Giving Tree volunteer, and Supplies Coordinator for the annual Bazaar. He assisted, annually, in cooking and serving meals to the candidates for Confirmation at their retreat. Recently, he found a calling serving meals to others through the Martha-Mary Ministry. Throughout the community, he was known as a man of prayer; many people requested his prayers for their intentions.

The family is grateful to Dr. John Batbouta and the staff at Reliant Medical Group, Spencer, for their kindness and concern shown to Tim during the past year and to Mary, Queen of the Rosary parishioners for their daily prayers. Finally, they thank the staff of Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and the extraordinary caregivers at Sharp Bonitaview Hospice Home for bringing Tim comfort in his final days.

Timothy’s funeral will be held Friday, May 27 from J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terrace, Spencer with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church Street, Spencer. Burial with Military Honors will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mary, Queen of the Rosary Memorial Fund, 60 Maple Street, Spencer, MA 01562.