Cambridge, NY – Joseph G. Rouse, 83, of Cambridge, passed away Sunday morning, September 13, 2026 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

Born in Cambridge on June 7, 1943, he was the son of the late George and Lottie (Parker) Rouse. Joe was a lifelong area resident and graduate of Cambridge Central School.

Joe began his career as a car salesman in 1975 and worked at Chevrolet agencies in Greenwich and Hoosick Falls. Joe was a highly accomplished salesman and, for multiple years, was the recipient of the Chevrolet Legion of Leaders and Oldsmobile Vanguard awarded for excellence in sales on a nationwide basis. He was a member of the Greenwich Elks Lodge and the Hoosick Falls Eagle Club.

Joe was a man who enjoyed people and was always ready to talk and offer his advice. His family often joked that they should get him a podium so he could dispense his advice. It was easy to know Joe, and he was liked by nearly everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Joe had a lifelong love of cars, especially those from the 1950s and 1960s, with the 1965 Chevy Impala being his favorite. He enjoyed Rock and Roll music from the 50s and 60s, attending dances at Hedges Lake, playing cards with family and friends, going to the casinos, betting on the horses and trying his luck with lottery tickets. He was fiercely devoted to his family and his cats, who were an important part of his life.

A true “homebody,” Joe enjoyed taking short trips but was always happiest when he was home. He was not a camper himself, but enjoyed that his wife, Nancy, loved camping. Together they took cruises and traveled through Pampered Chef, and Joe especially enjoyed a trip to California for his 70th birthday, where, true to Joe’s nature, he spent much of the time playing cards.

Joe loved summer and warm weather and had little use for winter. He enjoyed watching old television shows, especially The Andy Griffith Show and Leave It to Beaver. He loved a good rib-eye steak, enjoyed a hot meal and, as his family will remember, never spent much time chatting while he was eating. He looked forward to his daily coffee, reading the newspapers and stopping at his favorite coffee spots between Hoosick Falls and Greenwich.

Joe also enjoyed his daily Facebook postings, often ending them with “The Truth.” He would take a drive each day with a cup of coffee to “check the town.” He was a loyal New York Giants fan, enjoyed playing the guitar and had a love of music and playing cards that remained with him throughout his life.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy Beadle Rouse, whom he married on October 13, 1979; his sister, Shirley Breeyear of Hudson Falls; sisters-in-law, Deborah Beadle and Angela Beadle, both of Greenwich; and his nieces, Margaret and Deborah. He was predeceased by his daughter, Sara Elizabeth Rouse, in 1975; his brother, Charles M. Rouse; brother-in-law, Edward F. Breeyear; nephew, Edward J. Breeyear; and his mother and father-in-law, Nellie and Herb Beadle.

Joe’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Saratoga Oncology, especially Dr. John Mongan, who provided care to Joe from May 2023 through August 2026, nearly every week. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to Trinity Health Hospice (Community Hospice) for the comfort and care provided to Joe and his family during his final three days.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge, NY 12816. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2026 at the funeral home, with Rev. Peter Bailey officiating. A reception will be at the family home, 67 West Main St., Cambridge following the service.

Memorial contributions in memory of Joe may be made to the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, 37 Gilbert St., Cambridge, NY 12816; the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 554, Cambridge, NY 12816; or Salem’s Community Cats, P.O. Box 402, Salem, NY 12865.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Joe, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com