Derby Line’s Unofficial Mayor, Joe Queenin, Recognized by his friends, the Community, and Vermont’s Northland Journal

By Scott Wheeler

Scott and Penny Wheeler, the owners of Vermont’s Northland Journal, stand with Joe Queenin after they gave the Derby Line man an award for his dedicated service to the border community. Photo by Emily Wheeler

Derby Line doesn’t have a mayor, but if it did, it probably would be Joe Queenin. A happy-go-lucky man, Joe has every reason to be bitter at the world because of the hand that he was dealt as a youngster. Instead, he walks through life with a smile on his face, lending a helping hand wherever he can.
A packed room greeted Queenin at the Haskell Free Library in Derby Line at an event hosted by Vermont’s Northland Journal. Joe shared his life's story, including his life as an orphan, his move to the border region decades ago, and his combat experience during World War II.

Joe Queenin (left) as a young Marine. Photo courtesy of Mr. Queenin

A retired postal worker, Joe is best known for giving back to his community. His history of volunteerism is extensive. He served a stint as a village trustee, but Joe, who lives in the village with his wife, Beverly, is probably best known for his work with the young people of the area. For many years he was the local face for Toys for Kids, a volunteer group that collects toys for needy children throughout Orleans County. Also, for decades he served as one of this region’s most dedicated coaches and referees. He also dedicates many hours each year volunteering at North Country Hospital in Newport.

Mr. Queenin holds a Japanese flag that he brought home following his combat tour on the island of Okinawa. Photo by Penny Wheeler

Born on June 1, 1923, Joe grew up in Woburn, Massachusetts. His life took a tragic turn in 1931 when his father died. Then in 1936 tragedy struck again when his mother died, leaving him an orphan.
Joe and his brother, Hugh, made the best of the horrible turn of events. Instead of letting his little brother fall into the hands of the state, Hugh, who was nine years Joe’s senior, temporarily put his military aspirations on hold to guide his brother into adulthood. When Joe was a junior in high school, his brother accepted a job with the U.S. Border Patrol in Derby Line in 1941. Joe and his big brother pulled up their roots and moved to Derby.

A contingent of World War II veterans were among the many people who turned out to listen to Mr. Queenin share his life story. Front left to right: Albert Gagnon, Coast Guard; Bill McCarthy, Navy; Ted Chaffee, Navy; John Cadieux, Coast Guard; Joe Queenin, Marines; Ken Jenness, Army; and Ed Parenteau served in the Navy. Back row left to right: Howie Geisel, Coast Guard; Don Bushman, Army; and Bob Darby. Army. Photo by Scott Wheeler

“I worshiped my brother,” Joe said of his brother who has since passed away. “He gave up a lot in his life to make sure I was okay. He sacrificed a lot for me.” His brother went on to retire from the military as a colonel.
Joe also served in the military but only for three years, but those were some tough years. Enlisting in the military in 1942, he served in the Third and Sixth Marine Divisions during World War II, seeing action on the islands of Bougainville and on Okinawa.
At the closing I bestowed an award upon this tireless public servant, a man who has touched so many lives. The award says:

Outstanding Dedication to the Border Region
Presented to Joe Queenin

“Thank You” seems like such a trivial thing to say to a man who has done so much for his community, and brightened so many lives without asking for anything in return. You had every reason to be bitter at the world because of the hand you were dealt as a youngster. Instead, because of your positive outlook on life, and your belief in the goodness of people, you transformed a poor hand into a life of serving your community, your state, and your country. Your service has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

Thank you for being here for the people of Derby Line and the entire border region. Joe, you are an inspiration to all of us.

Best Wishes for your future!

Scott and Penny Wheeler and Family/
VT’s Northland Journal