Joseph Fred Burgess Jr. died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of April 23 at his home in Sacramento, Calif.

Joe graduated from Tisbury High School in 1951, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. His career in the Coast Guard spanned 28 years, and took him all over the United States, including a tour of duty in Liberia.

He had a lifelong love for Dixieland music. He and his wife, Jessie, were enthusiastic supporters of the Sacramento jazz society, volunteering countless hours and working the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. He was a parishioner at St. Elizabeth’s Portuguese church and enjoyed the Festas. He also loved Labrador retrievers, and could always be seen driving around West Sacramento with his chocolate Lab Jax.

A devoted family man, Joe was always there for everyone, lending a shoulder to cry on, patiently listening, and giving endless amounts of love, guidance, and encouragement along the way. He continued to provide hope, advice, and a joke or two to caregivers and family while living at the Chateau on Capitol.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Jessie, his children Jane, Ed, and Beth, and his grandchildren JuliAnn, Jacob, and Nathaniel.