Joseph A. Farland Jr. of Falmouth, formerly of Oak Bluffs, died peacefully at Bridges of Epoch on Dec. 25. He was 87 and was the beloved husband of Jane Farland and son of the late Joseph Sr. and Irene Farland.

He graduated from high school on the Vineyard, and served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, retiring with the rank of master sergeant. He received the Bronze Star for his actions in Vietnam.

He later worked for Warren Hansen’s Office Supply in Osterville for many years, repairing office machines. He was an active member of the Falmouth fire rescue department. He earned his paramedic certification in 1985 and in February 1989 he was honored with the Paramedic of the Year award from the Cape and Islands Emergency Medical Services System Inc. for his continuing dedication to emergency medical services.

He served as eucharistic minister at St. Anthony’s Church in East Falmouth and enjoyed flying airplanes, taking care of his lawn and coaching sports for his children. He was a loving husband, father of five, grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of 12, and will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, he is survived by his four children, Charlene Antrim and her husband Jack of Centerville, Elizabeth Farland and her husband John Hamrin of Falmouth, Timothy Farland and his wife Vickie Klein of Falmouth, Joseph Anthony Farland 3rd and his wife Connie of Jacksonville, N.C., his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Bruce A. Farland.

Interment will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made to St. Anthony’s Church, 167 East Falmouth Highway, East Falmouth, MA 02536 or to Falmouth Fire Rescue.