Jose Antonio Bispo

Jose Antonio Bispo, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday May 23, 2026 while at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on April 18, 1945 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts to the late Jose & Maria Reis Bispo.

Along with his parents, Joe is reunited in passing with his beloved wife of almost 55 years, Pauline A. Bispo & his sister, Lucia Jose and nephew, Jonathan Jose.

Joe proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and served two tours including the Siege of Khe Sanh. After returning home, he continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserve and the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Following his well-earned retirement, Joe remained deeply involved in the veteran community. He was a dedicated member of the Khe Sanh Veterans Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. He was also active in the Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the 3rd Marine Division Association.

Joe’s greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He will forever be remembered as the amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend he truly was. He will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish Joe’s memory are his adoring daughters, Kimberly Burch and her husband, Allen of Timberlake, NC & Karen Bispo Varnum and her husband, Kevin of Myrtle Beach, SC; granddaughters, Ainsley & Brynn Burch; as well as a nephew, Jaime Jose of Acushnet, MA; several cousins; a large, loving, extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.

A Celebration of Joe’s life will be held privately at a later date.

At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Joe’s name may be made to the Semper Fi & America's Fund.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, kindly visit the funeral home website at www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home of Murrells Inlet (843-651-1440) is honored to assist the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.