Joe and Ann Flamand

Jean Claude Joseph III (“Joe,” “Big Joe”), 79, of Needham, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at a hospice facility after battling Alzheimer’s. His beloved wife, Ann (“Gigi”) LaFay Flamand, 87, of Needham, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Joe was born in Brookline, MA, the son of the late Jean Claude II and Shirley (Cribben) Flamand. Throughout his childhood, he moved around New England due to his father’s job, eventually graduating from high school in South Windsor, CT in 1964. He spent much of his career as a retail manager, where he applied his accounting skills for thirty years. Later, he continued his work in accounting at Partners HealthCare, where he was well respected and appreciated by his colleagues. An active member of the Village Club of Needham, he also handled bookkeeping for its membership. Joe will be remembered for his quick wit, warm heart, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

Ann, known to her family and friends as “Gigi,” was born in Chelsea, MA, the daughter of the late William and Ernestine (Bardi) LaFay. Her family later moved to Newton, MA where she graduated from Newton High School in 1955, followed by Regis College. She began her career as an elementary school teacher before dedicating time to raising her family. She later returned to work at a small family-owned company called EWT. She worked here for over thirty years and was affectionately known as the “office angel.” Gigi was devoted to her family and lifelong friends. She was a talented cook, loved tending to her garden, and enjoyed creative projects around her home.

Joe and Ann’s love story began in the summer of 1968 when they met while working as a bartender and waitress at The Chart Room in Cataumet, MA. They married the following year and shared a love that lasted a lifetime—true soulmates from beginning to end. Their love was inspiring to all who knew them. Nothing brought them greater joy than spending time with their three children and their families, especially the cherished time with their six grandchildren.

Together, Joe and Ann are survived by their daughter, Michelle Mangine, and her husband, Doug, of Bellingham; their daughter, Jill Flamand, of Needham; and their son, Benjamin Flamand, and his wife, Lynn, of Medfield. They also leave behind their beloved grandchildren: Joey, Carlie, Casey, Jack, Sam, and Sophia.

Joe is also survived by his sister, Sally Zepeda, and his brothers, Phil Flamand and Scott Flamand, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ann is survived by her sisters, Louise Bolles and Joan Carey, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, the late Bishop Michael LaFay.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Needham on Saturday, March 15, at 10:00 am

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