Joseph J. Foley
Retired Food & Drug Administration Investigator
Joseph J. Foley, age 78, a resident of Tewksbury for 51 years, formerly of Charlestown and Medford, passed away peacefully at Billerica Crossings Assisted Living on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Hayes) Foley, with whom he celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on April 3rd.
Born in Boston on April 22, 1946, he was the son of the late Peter J. Foley and the late Mary (Edwards) Foley.
Joe was raised in Charlestown, attended local schools and graduated from Boston Technical High School. He later attended Merrimack College and Middlesex Community College, where he earned an associate degree.
In 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War Era with the 624th MP Company at Ft. Devens and was also stationed in Frankfurt, Germany for two years.
Prior to his retirement in 2005, Joe worked as an investigator for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for 37 years.
Joe was a devoted husband, father and cherished his role as “Easha” to his two grandsons who he loved to spend time with. Joe enjoyed many activities including photography, swimming at Andover YMCA and walking his beloved dogs. Joe and Pat enjoyed seeing Broadway shows, watching Jeopardy, as well as traveling, including many cruises and adventures. Joe will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit, and his ability to talk to anyone and everyone. He will be sorely missed by his neighbors and their dogs whom he always had treats for.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Deborah A. McManus and her husband Stephen, of North Reading: his son, Joseph P. Foley, of Tewksbury: two grandsons, Patrick and Matthew McManus. He was the brother of Annamae Coffin, of Gulfport Florida, Julia Quinn, of Medford, and the late Peter Foley. He is also survived by several brother and sister-n-laws and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Calling hours are Sunday, December 29th, from 3-6 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury. His funeral procession will begin on Monday, December 30th, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. Services will conclude at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org or to the M.S.P.C.A.-Nevins Farm at www.mspca.org