Joseph Martin McCloskey

Passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on February 23rd, 2014, in his 85th year. Loving and devoted husband of 62 years to Edith May (Edie) (nee Russell). Son of the late Richard and Elizabeth McCloskey. Survived by his brother Patrick (Beverly) and sister Anna Mary Forestall. Loving father to Jo-Anne (David Usher), Rick (Colleen), Patti (Rob Croft) and Chris (Melanie). Proud Poppy of Elizabeth, Joel, Michael, Erica, Amy, Christopher, Emily and Braeden. Loving great grandfather to Liam, Abigail and Owen. Joe spent his youth in Kirkland Lake and Whitby Ontario. He was very proud of his Irish, Roman Catholic heritage. He loved his sports, especially hockey, baseball and golf. Joe played hockey in the Detroit Red Wings farm system. He was a proud member of the Whitby Red Wings Junior “C” Champions 1945-46. Along with his brother Pat, Joe was inducted into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. Joe was a proud and passionate labour activist through-out his life. Born on Labour Day weekend (Sept. 1st, 1929), he was active in the UAW and CAW (Unifor) in Oshawa. As a Union Representative during his working days, he spent many years as a committee man. He sat on the UAW Local 222 Executive Board. After his retirement in 1980, he continued his involvement with his Union, first by serving as President of the Local 222 Retirees Chapter. He was also elected to the CAW National Executive Board. For many years he was a delegate for the CLC, OFL and the Oshawa District Labour Council which he thoroughly enjoyed participating in. Joe was a member of the CCF and then the NDP. Special thanks to Dr. Dion, RN Mary Beth and the Palliative Care team for their care and support. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West on Thursday, February 27th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. GERTRUDE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (690 King St. E., Oshawa) on Friday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to Follow. Memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.