Joseph “Skeeter” Maurice Brideau (75), died peacefully at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on June 22, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Fitchburg, MA, he was the son of Estelle (Bergeron) Brideau and Joseph Maurice Brideau.
Joe met the love of his life, Janet (Farr) Brideau, in 1972 while attending Fitchburg State College. They Married in 1977 in Winchester, MA, they settled in Manchester-by-the-Sea and raised their three children Meghann, Jonathan, and Shaun.
With a huge smile and an overzealous “high five”, Joe would hold court wherever he went. Often donning a favorite baseball cap, Joe would converse with strangers without hesitation. If you were nearby, Joe wanted to know you and how you were doing.
He spent the majority of his career as a professional recruiter in the tech industry. His success had him travel back and forth to the San Francisco Bay Area during the tech boom in the 1990’s and held stints at some of the largest tech startups in the Greater Boston Area.
Joe was passionate about his community. As an active member of the First Parish Church Congregation, he led the church’s culinary efforts with the Open Door Food Pantry in Gloucester for 20 years. He volunteered countless hours around Manchester-by-the-Sea, building a new playground at Masonomo Park, renovating the computer room at the Manchester Memorial Elementary School, and coaching many youth athletic leagues.
Everyone who knew Joe knew how much he loved sports. Boston Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox, New England Patriots, and college basketball dominated the TV and radio in the Brideau household. He enjoyed bonding with his sons at countless games in Boston, trips to other cities, and NCAA March Madness tournaments around the country.
Joe took on his greatest role in life as a grandfather (“Pops”) to Joseph Anthony Brideau (7), Rosalie Elizabeth Brideau (5), and Vivienne Angelina Brideau (3). “Pops” became the center of attention at every gathering with countless laughs and pranks. His grandchildren affectionately gave him the title of the “funniest person in the world”.
Joe is survived by his wife Janet (Farr) Brideau, daughter Meghann Amanda Batista (Brideau) and her husband Matthew of Naples, ME, Jonathan Joseph Brideau and his wife Jessica of Beverly, MA, and Shaun Nicolas Brideau of Beverly, MA.
He is also survived by his brother Patrick Michael Brideau and his wife Shirley of Fitchburg, MA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Rose (Brideau) Infantino and brother, Thomas Henry Brideau.
Donations to The Open Door would be greatly appreciated.
