Joel McFarland Fuller, 85, of Preston, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family Nov. 18, 2024. He was born in Woonsocket, R.I., May 15, 1939, to John and Virginia (Wilkins) Fuller. He was schooled in East Walpole, Mass.; Bridgeton Academy; and Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering in 1964. Throughout his four years at the Academy, he sailed with his classmates to foreign ports on the school’s training ship, the State of Maine. After graduation, he married in the Fall of 1964, Janice (Blaine) Fuller, and shipped for two years with Lykes Bros. out of Galveston and Houston, Texas; taking supplies to Vietnam for our military during the Vietnam War. After the two-year stint in world shipping, he relocated to Groton, where he took a position in engineering at General Dynamics/Electric Boat where he stayed for 36 years, often being sent to the Prototype in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; working on restorations on the Nautilus, trouble-shooting trips to Charleston, S.C., and riding “boats” on their sea trials.

He took great pride in being a father to his namesake (Joel II) who will dearly miss him and the life lessons they shared. He especially enjoyed the teaching of the McFarland clan heritage drawing from his family tree. Joel also was heavily involved with planning and supporting the now defunct Rhode Island Scottish Highland Festival where he and Jan met many of their friends.

He also loved kayaking with his male friends and his wife, Jan. The Avalonia Land Conservancy group was also part of his plan to enjoy life. Roaming the fields, setting up bluebird houses, planning paths so that others could enjoy strolls through the fields and woods was a great part of his life.

Joel was an active member of the Free Masons; first by joining the Masonic Lodge in Castine, Maine, while a midshipman at the academy. He later joined Coastal 57 in Pawcatuck; as well as, taking the Scottish Rite at Somerset St. James in Norwich.

Joel was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Fuller, and is survived by his loving wife Janice; his son Joel II (Angela) and their two children, Azariah and Dylan of Uncasville; and a brother John Fuller of Mechanicsville, Va. His memory will live on in the hearts of several nieces and nephews. Joel and his dry sense of humor will truly be missed by all as he “crossed the bar”.