The only thing Joe Provanchie loved more than cars was his family. He proudly spent 25+ years
at Saratoga County, first wrenching on heavy trucks, then Sherriff vehicles. He’d volunteer for
overtime as a wingman in the plow truck. Most days, after a full day of work and the kids went
to bed, Joe turned on the lights in the shop he shared with his best friend and repaired more
cars. On the weekends, he built and maintained his fleet of classic cars and the family’s daily
drivers. He worked hard and played hard.
There was always time for the kids. Joe never missed a concert or recital, many times showing
up at the last minute, standing in the back, wearing his work clothes. Weekend chores
included stacking wood for the stove, moving leaves, shoveling snow. He made sure to make it
fun. The snow was shoveled in a way that included tunnels and forts. Removing the pine
needles involved making trails through the woods and a ride in the trailer pulled by the threewheeler to dump the needles into the swamp. Stacking wood involved a little wagon. There
was a treehouse in the tree above the engine hoist.
When the grand kids came, the playhouses were refurbished, ride-on toys were built. Shelves
and a playground and more beds were made.
Joe lost his battle with cancer on the full moon of
September 2021. He left behind a wife of 49 years, 4
children, and 11 grandchildren to carry on his legacy.
This February, we honor him by raising money for the
American Cancer Society. Team In Memory of Joe
pledges to avoid alcohol to honor a promise he
made to Penny when he was only 15 years old.
High school sweethearts, Joe and Penny spent a lot of
time together. Joe was a bit of a hooligan. He worked
pumping gas and he liked to drink. One night, he was
found in a ditch. And the ultimatum was given:
“If you want to marry me, you give up the booze.”
And he did. The only bottle Joe drank from was Pepsi.