GOUVERNEUR – Joseph E. House, 55, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2009 at his home.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 7 at 11:00 am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. James Warrington, pastor of Macomb Community Wesleyan Church officiating and burial in Hailesboro Cemetery. Calling hours are today, Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.

Joe was born February  16, 1954, the son of Robert House and Theresa LaClair Fortune. He attended Clayton and Gouverneur schools before serving in the U.S. Army.

Joe was self employed most of his life and for the past several years operated a business which involved residential and commercial painting, snow removal, and sealing driveways. He was active in the Gouverneur community, having served as a village trustee and deputy mayor from 2003-2007. Joe was also active in local youth programs and served as supervisor of the Gouverneur skateboard park. He enjoyed gambling, casinos, and was an avid sports fan.

Joe is survived by his father and stepmother Robert and Mary House of Fowler, a daughter April Dylina of Roundup, MT, his companion Jessica Prashaw of Gouverneur, four stepbrothers James Robert House of Lafargeville, Lyle Jobin of Kennesaw, GA, Thomas Black of Gouverneur, and Michael Fortune of Ogdensburg, a stepsister Dianne Jordan of Clayton, and three grandsons. He is predeceased by his mother and stepfather Theresa and Robert Fortune.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gouverneur Recreation Center, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or a youth group program of your choice.