Joseph Andrew Sootkoos Jr., (“Buddy” to his family), 80, of Fairhaven formerly of Wareham, passed away on June 4, at the Brockton, VA Medical Center, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of the late Yukiko (Suehiro) Sootkoos. Red Sox, Patriot, and Bruins Nation lost a loyal member.

Joe was born in Worcester, in 1936. He was the son of the late Joseph A. and Pauline Sootkoos Sr. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he received his medical training. While stationed in Japan, he met his future wife, Yukiko “Yuki” Suehiro. The couple eventually settled in Wareham.

Joe was an emergency room nurse at Tobey Hospital in Wareham for many years. He enjoyed fishing and watching sports. He was a member of the VFW.

His beloved Yuki died unexpectedly in 1984. He remained a widower and moved to Fairhaven after his retirement.

Joe kept his sense of humor to the end. When asked how he wanted his favorite soda, in the can or poured in a cup, he quickly responded, “I’ll just take it through my IV.” He died with his son by his side and under the dedicated care of the nurses at the VA hospice in Brockton.

The Red Sox were playing their Sunday afternoon game when Joe left this world. His team beat the Orioles 7-3.

Joe leaves his son, Joseph A. Sootkoos III of Mattapoisett, his brother Donald (Yokko) Sootkoos, San Diego, California; sister Virginia (Walter) Martin, Clermont, Florida; stepbrother Walter Morris, Millbury; stepsister Dorothy Beahn, Worcester; stepsister Christine (Robert) Sanoba, Lakeland, Florida; half-brother, Dennis (Joan) Sootkoos, Madison, Florida; half-sister Denise Bailey, Jupiter, Florida; half-sister Gail (Matthew) Shovlin, Oxford, Florida; 20 nieces and nephews, and his whiskered companion, Meko. Joe is preceded in death by brother Gerald (Cynthia) Sootkoos, Woodbridge, Virginia and stepbrother William Morris, Tallahassee, Florida.

Joe will be buried beside his beloved wife at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Wareham. He requested a private service. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wareham Village Funeral Home.