Joseph Denehy Passes Away

Joseph F. Denehy, 92, beloved husband of the late Jane E. (Toomey) Denehy, passed away on Sunday, April 23rd at the Edith Nourse Rogers Veterans Memorial Hospital in Bedford after a brief illness. Born in Boston, he is the son of the late Timothy and Sadie (Doherty) Denehy.

Joseph grew up in Charlestown and was a graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during WWII. Joseph was involved in the Battle of Normandy, and in a sea battle off the coast of France and was captured by the Germans in March of 1945. He was a prisoner of war for 63 days. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he met the love of his life Jane and married in 1950. They were married for 60 years until she passed away in 2011.

Joe began his career in law enforcement in 1949 for the MDC police department. He was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. In 1971 he left to pursue a career as a Lieutenant Detective for the Massachusetts State Police. He retired as a Major in 1990 after 40 years in law enforcement. Joe was a proud and active resident of Stoneham. He and his wife often volunteered their time at the town election polls. He enjoyed being outdoors and especially being at his home in Dennisport, Cape Cod. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. His family meant everything to him and he will truly be missed.

He is survived by his three children: Joseph F. Denehy, Jr. and his wife Kathi, Janice M. Denehy and Jeanne E. Rodrigues; three grandchildren: Joseph R. Denehy, Jessica J. Rodrigues and Joshua J. Rodrigues; along with many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his three siblings: Charles Denehy, Rita Malone and Ralph Denehy.

His funeral will be from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street, (RT28) Stoneham, on Thursday at 9 am. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Patrick's Church, 71 Central Street, Stoneham at 10am.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share remembrances with the family on Wednesday, April 26th from 4 to 8 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator available. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Red Cross, 139 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. The Red Cross is an organization that was instrumental with helping Joseph's wife Jane.