Joseph E. Woolley

Joseph E. Woolley, of Frankford Twp., N.J. passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family Monday March 28, 2022 following a long illness. He was 83 years old.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y. he had lived in Haskell and Clifton before moving to Frankford Twp. over fifty years ago.

Son of the late Lloyd W. and Bridget (nee McGlynn) Woolley, Joseph proudly served in the United States Army during the Post Korean War era. A long-time and retired career plumber, Joseph was a member of the Local #24 Plumbers Union Newark, N.J. He was a devout parishioner of the Saint Jude the Apostle Roman Catholic Church Hamburg, N.J.

Mr. Woolley was a member of the Frankford Twp. and Sandyston Twp. Senior Citizens as well as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. Joe found purpose and took care in everything he did. You could always find him tinkering in the garage, mowing the lower 40, cleaning up the pool, or working on a puzzle. Such care translated to generosity. He would always help a family member or friend in need, whether to fix something broken or pick you up from the airport. He loved the simple pleasure food provides: buttered corn muffins on snow days, ice cream on summer nights, cold beer with a slice of pizza.

Joseph wouldn’t let you leave a gathering without a “back-crack.” He teased lovingly and relentlessly, and wouldn’t let you hear the end of it until he found something else to joke about. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with the ones he loved. Call him Joe, call him Joey, call him Dad, call him Papa, Grandpa, or Grampy, call him whatever—just don’t call him late for dinner.

Mr. Woolley was predeceased by a daughter Rhonda Jean in 1970. He is survived by his beloved wife and the love of his life, Rita M. (nee Gradt) whom he met on a blind date. They were inseparable for 62 years. Together, they built a home, raised a family, and created a legacy that will last beyond their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his sons Michael J. and his wife Helen Woolley of Matamoras, Pa., Matthew Woolley of Cardiff by the Sea, Calif., and Mark C. and his wife Amy Woolley of Sparta, N.J; his daughters Rita T. and her husband Daniel Pecoriello of Matamoras, Pa., and Elizabeth A. and her husband Douglas Hatler of Isle of Palms, S.C.; as well as his grandchildren Mark and his wife Leigh Pecoriello, Michael Woolley, Christopher Hatler, Charles Hatler, Ryan Woolley, Erin McGlynn Woolley, Alice Woolley and Meredith Woolley, and his great grandchildren June and Raya Pecoriello.

Memorial Visitation and services were held April 1 at Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, followed by a prayer service and a Memorial Funeral Service with Military Honors. Funeral Service at 8:30 PM with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joseph’s memory may be made to either the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org