Joseph Emmet Earley

Dr. Joseph Emmet Earley, 91, Falls Church, Va. passed away at his home on Saturday, June 10 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in 1932 in Providence, Rhode Island to Margaret Doran and Daniel Earley. A proud graduate of Providence College, Joseph received his Ph.D. in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry from Brown University. He served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Chemical Corps. A member of the faculty at Georgetown University beginning in 1958, Joseph was a Professor of Chemistry at Georgetown often serving in leadership roles. He was a prolific author and contributor for books and publications in science and philosophy. Joseph was a Life Member in both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Philosophical Society. He was an Emeritus Member of the American Chemical Society. From 2000 to 2015, Joseph was President of The Everan Foundation with a focus on Irish historic preservation. Joseph is survived by his wife of 67 years Shirley A. Earley and his three sons and their wives; Thomas and Karen, David and Nellie, Joseph and Laura. Joseph was the loving grandfather to seven grandchildren; Megan, Ben, Katie, Jack, Jacob, Annmarie and Cole. Joseph enjoyed spending time at Deep Creek Lake, MD as an avid sailor, following his grandchildren’s sporting events and supporting the Georgetown Hoyas and Providence Friars. He was a community leader with a wide range of interests including service as a CCD instructor, church choir member and service to the Falls Church community. He was preceded in death by his parents. A visitation will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home in Falls Church on Tuesday, June 20 at 11:00 AM, with funeral services to be held at St. James Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 20 at 1:00 PM with burial to follow at St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Goodwin Hospice and Catholic Relief Services. The family of Joseph Emmet Earley would like to thank the outstanding staff of The Kensington Falls Church Senior Living Community and Goodwin Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion. Joseph will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched. https://goodwinliving.org/giving/donation-form-hospice/ Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-fh.com for the Earley family.