LEWISTON — Joseph J. Bagushinski, “Bags,” 70, of Lewiston, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. He was born in Atlas, PA, on September 23, 1946, a son of the late Anthony and Anna (Papp) Bagushinski.

He was educated in Pennsylvania and graduated from Mount Carmel High School. Joseph then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy for over 20 years serving in three tours to Vietnam.

Joseph was a family man and whose world revolved around his children, and loved family trips to Pennsylvania and Newfoundland Canada. He also enjoyed watching old country and western TV shows and John Wayne movies, and shooting the breeze with people especially vets, young and old.

He is survived by his daughter Giselle St. Amand of Lewiston, a sister Patricia Semic and her husband Bobby of New Berlin, PA, his former wife and dear friend Lena Hann, two special nieces Kim and Ann Marie and their families, and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Wayne, who was waiting for him with open arms, a brother Anthony Bagushinski, a son-in-law Phil St. Amand and many other fallen brothers and sisters.

A special thank you to the staff at the VA Hospital in Togus, Maine, whose care and dedication to Joseph over the years is greatly appreciated.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to

Joseph’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

Visitation at Fortin in Lewiston is Thursday, August 31, from 9-11 AM. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 11 AM. Committal will be held at 1 PM at Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

Donations can be made to the American Heart Association in Joseph’s honor at www.heart.org.

Arrangements are under the care of the Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services, 70 Horton St., Lewiston.