Joseph Leo Meehan

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our-beloved grandfather, Joseph Leo Meehan, on March 23, 2024. May his spirit live on. Joe was born on December 25,1934 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was the youngest child, and first born son, of Anna (Martin) and Joseph Leo Meehan. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Becker), son Joseph, sisters Kathleen Gentile and Doris Liptak, sister-in law Mary Meehan and brother in law Albert Meehan. He is survived by his cherished sister Joyce (Daniel) Chiara, daughter in law Susan and grandchildren Connell Joseph and Caroline Anna. Joe also leaves behind a large, boisterous Irish family, including nieces Karen (Eli) Adatto, Gail Meehan (Steve), Kathy Meehan, and nephews Jerry Chiara, Kevin (Christine) Liptak, Stephen Liptak and Kevin Meehan. Mourning his loss are also his sister and brother in law Cecilia and Robert Becker, Susan and Kenneth Becker, Brian Becker and Edward Becker, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was a proud army veteran and a retired member of the Jersey City Fire Department. As newlyweds, he and his wife raised her two younger sisters Karen Moraghan (Tom) and Gail Lannon, he loved them like daughters. Later, the family settled in Toms River to raise their son, and the Meehan home was always open. Joe was a friend to everyone, whether during his daily trips to Shoprite, his talks with neighbors, or even strangers on the street. Barbara and Joe loved traveling across the country, as well as Ireland and Italy. Later in life he was privileged to reside at the Firemen's Nursing Home in Boonton,New Jersey. Even when faced with adversity, be it the untimely death of his son or the illness of his wife of 60 years, Joe remained positive. He always said,“it’s been a good life.” We know that life is better because he was in it. Let’s all raise a glass to Joe and remember how good life really is. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the New Jersey Firemen’s Home, St. Jude’s, or Tunnel to Towers.

Visitation will be Monday, April 1, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River, NJ 08755. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Justin The Martyr Church, 975 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753. Interment will be at a later date in the BG William C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.