HUDSON FALLS – Joseph (Joe) E. Michaud, of Hudson Falls passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, at Glens Falls Hospital after a short illness at the age of 97.
He was born to the late Rosaire and Florida (Caron) Michaud on February 7, 1928, in Waterville, Maine and was one of seven children.
Joseph graduated as a basketball star from Waterville High School in 1946 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after. He was honored to have served his country during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea and the U.S.S. Oriskany. Upon his honorable discharge, he began working for Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford Connecticut in the manufacturing of aircraft engines.
In 1962, Joe moved to Hudson Falls and in 1966 he became the proud owner of The Old Homestead Bar & Restaurant, Inc. until his retirement at the age of 90. Throughout his 55 years there he definitely saw it all and loved every moment. He always believed that if you enjoyed what you were doing, it never felt like work. He felt privileged to be part of so many lives and strived to make sure that people never felt alone. Joe simply did not just exist in the world but embraced every second with a calm and happy demeanor. He loved his family, tanning by his pool, watching sports and knowing what everyone was up to. It was a life well lived.
In 1971 Joe married and blended families with Sondra L. Michaud who was always by his side throughout their 48 years of marriage.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his wife Sondra, numerous brothers and sisters, son-in-law, Cesar Sanchez and his grandsons, Tylor Michaud and Austin Lutz.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Paul (Linda) Michaud of Hudson Falls, Tim (Robin) Copeland of Newark, Ohio, Belinda (Steve) Sundberg of South Carolina, Patti (Joan Bondira) Michaud of Pittsburgh, PA, Colleen (Doug) Smith of Leesburg, VA and Susan M. Sanchez of Hudson Falls; nine grandchildren; Katie (Matt) Authier and their children, Reagan and Drew; Tim (Becky) Copeland III and their children, Kinsley and Ashlyn; Carolyn (Eric) Walkup, Bobby (Megan) Copeland, Jordan Lutz, Jada Smith, Dakota Smith, Mia and Ava Sanchez, sister Jackie, numerous nieces and nephews, his longtime best friend Tom Mercure, and many other cherished friends.
At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours, however a memorial mass and a burial at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to S.A.I.L., 71 Glenwood Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804 or a charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to thank Dr. Filion and his staff for their ongoing care of Joseph for over twenty years, Dr. Dennett & staff at the VA and Adirondack Seafood for his weekly Friday fish dinners.
RIP Uncle Joe. God Bless 🙏🏻🕊️
So very sorry for your loss, I had the pleasure to have Uncle Joe in my life , He was a very caring man, I always enjoyed seeing him at the Homestead , He will be forever remembered and missed , Aunt Sandra and Uncle Joe are together forever in eternity 💔😢🙏🏻
Sorry for your loss. Joe was such a nice man. Many good times at the Homestead. Eileen Sweet
we always had our ups and downs but I still loved my uncle Joe, rest in piece
Susie Q. and Paul,
I am truly sorry to hear about your father’s passing, I think it was presumed he’d live forever, he never seemed to age. Sue, going over to your house as a kid with my Grandmother Bertha Hallenbeck was always fun. Joe always loved laying out by the pool and being at the bar. I would see him and your Mom at DCI, when I’d take my Mom there. I’ll bet the Hallenbeck’s and Michaud’s are having cocktails together again.
Sue and Belinda, and all the family: our deepest condolences. You are all in our thoughts. Sending hugs your way. Susan, Ted, Wyatt and Grace Denious
Susie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. Even though we know they are in a better place, it doesn’t make it easier when our parents leave us. My deepest condolences to you all! Tammy Deyette
One of the best men I’ve ever known…a true genuine, salt of the earth kind of guy. He will be missed
Joe. Where do u start I walked into the homestead an applied for a job…. Sandra took my application. I later saw it it said tall. Skinny seem ok lol but the next 20 years you became my family a father figure i found a family of people who gravitated because of you. Love you Joe see u on the other side you made us
Not just patrons we are family forever
So sad to hear of the passing of good Ole Joe. We will never forget him…We had our wedding reception at the bar. There are so many memories we had of Joe at the bar. You will be forever missed!! RIP 💔💔❤️
Joe was a legend! Sending condolences to his family. Open up the pearly gates the legend has arrived. Rest in peace Joe.
Sue, Mia and Ava….
We’re so sorry to learn of your father and grandfather’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Abrazos,
Dan and Monelle, Chris and Jordan Cottrell
Paul and family, So sorry for your loss. Joe always treated me great from the 70s right up till he retired. I knew and hung out with a lot of his nieces and nephews over the years at the Homestead. He will be sorely missed. If you needed anything you just asked Joe. He helped everyone.
Edsil
Paul and family, So sorry of your loss. I’ve known Joe since the mid 70s and hung out with a lot of his nieces and nephews in the Homestead up till his retirement. The thing about Joe was if you needed anything he was always there. He looked out for everyone. He will be sorely missed. He always treated me like family.
RIP Joe
Edsil