Joseph David Coury, 82, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Adams, Massachusetts, on December 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Albert Coury, Sr. and Josephine (Thomas) Coury.

Joe attended North Adams schools, including Drury High School, before proudly serving his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era from 1963 to 1965. Following his military service, he became a talented and sought-after barber before establishing Coury’s Used Auto Parts in 1970. His honesty, determination, and commitment to his customers transformed it into a landmark business throughout Berkshire County, where generations of people came looking not only for parts, but for Joe himself. After nearly five decades of serving the community, he retired in 2018.

Whether customers walked through the front door or called on the phone, they were always greeted by Joe’s warm smile or familiar voice asking, “What can I help you with?” Joe was known for treating people fairly, negotiating with honesty and respect, and somehow keeping a salvage yard cleaner and more organized than most people’s garages. Those qualities earned him the loyalty and friendship of generations of customers.

Outside of work, Joe enjoyed spending time on the golf course as a member of Taconic Golf Club. In his younger years, he was an avid skeet shooter, winning numerous club championships. Those who knew him knew a man of quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and deep generosity. He was a loyal friend who treasured the lifelong friendships he built over the years and genuinely enjoyed spending time with those he loved. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer thoughtful advice, or simply be there when someone needed him. His greatest joy was his family, and he took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Whether he was cheering on his older grandchildren from the stands at softball games, bundled up at cold hockey rinks, or smiling as he watched his youngest granddaughter’s backyard dance routines, Joe never missed an opportunity to celebrate the people he loved most. He loved them wholeheartedly and made sure they never questioned how proud he was of them.

Joe married the love of his life, Mary R. Blay, on August 12, 1972, at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories with their children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Coury of Cheshire; his son, Chad Coury and his wife, Stephanie Coury, of Sudbury, Massachusetts; his daughter, Lisa Wotkowicz and her husband, Chad Wotkowicz, of Yarmouth, Maine; his cherished grandchildren, Zaynah, Cazimir, and Nourah; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Joe’s extraordinary caregivers, Stephen Michalenko and Mary Scanlon. Their unwavering devotion, compassion, and exceptional care brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Joe in his final days. Over time, they became not just caregivers, but trusted friends whose presence meant so much to Joe and his family. Their immeasurable dedication will never be forgotten.

In addition to his parents, Albert Coury, Sr. and Josephine (Thomas) Coury, Joe was predeceased by his brothers, Albert Coury Jr., Karey Coury, and Fred “John” Coury, and his sister, Lila White.

Funeral services for Joseph Coury will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Calling hours will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at Southview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America through the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA. 01247

Joe’s legacy will live on not only through the business he built or the life he lived, but through the family he loved beyond measure. His strength, kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love will continue to guide those who were blessed to call him husband, Dad, Gidu, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.