Joseph Corea, who died at home in Truro on Sept. 22, 2020, loved family, hunting, and fishing. He was 78. The cause was cancer, which he had fought long and with courage. He passed away surrounded by his wife, Marge, and other family.

The first child of the late Joseph Corea and Florence (Fields) Corea, Joe was a Provincetown native who exemplified his Portuguese heritage and West End upbringing. Like most “townies,” Joe had a nickname: Joe Cow, as his father and grandfather were also known.

Joe and his brother Bruce and sister Donna were among the first to attend the West End Racing Club. They were part of the “Chip Hill Gang” and could always be found diving for coins off the pier. In fact, Joe was known for his high diving expertise.

He began commercial fishing at a young age, first for his father on the Papa Joe, then for Alfred Silva on the Nancy and Debbie. Joe married Marjorie Gonsalves in 1968 and, because he always wanted to live in the woods of Truro, it was there in 1974 that he and Marge moved and raised their daughters, Shannon and Abby.

In 1971, Joe began his career with New England Telephone (now Verizon), where he made many lasting friendships with coworkers. After retiring in 1996, Joe worked for the McHoul Funeral Home and aboard the Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch.

An avid sportsman, Joe spent much of the fall and winter hunting and ice fishing with his brother, and he would host large post-season game feeds at his home. Summer Sundays were spent at Hatches Harbor.

Joe enjoyed daily rides down MacMillan Pier to scratch his lottery tickets. He was a two-time million-dollar winner. Always generous, he shared his winnings with his family and those in need. He could also tell a story like no other, leaving you believing, even if you thought you knew better.

One of Joe’s favorite pastimes was collecting and, over the years, he filled his basement “man cave” with many items that he referred to as his “treasures.”

Joe is survived by his wife, Marge; daughters Shannon and Abby; and grandchildren Jordan Carr-Giannelli and husband Lance, Amanda Perry, Mackenzie Perry, Megan Perry, and Brayson Ballentine. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Betsi Corea; brothers-in-law Tom Prada, Walter Gonsalves and wife Debbie, Alan Gonsalves, and Mark Ventolieri and partner Karen Perkins; nieces and nephews Erika Corea, Seanna Corea, Sherry Prada, Tommy Prada and partner Stephanie Peters, Amy (Prada) Rogers and husband Michael, Todd Prada and wife Grace Ryder-O’Malley, David Gonsalves and wife Hannah, Matthias Burt, Samantha Ventolieri-Bouchat, and Ashley Ventolieri. Many beloved cousins of the Domingos, Cabral, Nadeau, and White families also survive him. He was predeceased by brother Bruce Corea and sister Donna (Corea) Prada.

It was Joe’s wish that there be a celebration of his life, and as soon as it is safe to gather a date and location will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Homeless Prevention Council, P.O. Box 828, Orleans 02653. To share a memory or leave a condolence, visit the online guest book at gatelyfuneralservice.com.