Obituary of Joseph C. Hathaway

Joseph C. Hathaway Sr, 53, of Barnegat, N.J. formerly of Dedham, MA, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Devoted husband of Diana (neè Maccarone), loving father of Tara and her husband Jeremy Larsen, Laura and her husband USCG Petty Officer Jon Christiansen, and Joseph Jr. Beloved “Papi” to Allison, Luke, Troy, and Sean. Loving son of Mary (neè Morrissey) of Dedham, MA and the late Alfred E. Hathaway. Brother of Joanne and her husband Michael Curry of East Hampstead, NH, Diane and her husband Tom Gibbons of Bellingham, MA, Kevin and his wife Janice of Attleboro, MA, Suzanne and her husband Jack Kelliher of Dedham, MA, Ron and his wife Kelly of Dedham, MA, Jacqueline and her husband Dr. Matthew Tobin of Wayside, NJ, Dorothy of Dedham, MA, Christopher and his wife Kathleen of Franklin, MA. He was predeceased by his sister Catherine Durkin. Joe also leaves many devoted nieces and nephews, as well as many close family members from NJ, MA, IL, FL & Ireland. Joe is a Marine who fell in love with Diana while stationed in Colts Neck, NJ. They married in 1984 and moved to Barnegat where they raised three children. He was an avid sports fan, particularly the Boston Bruins. Golfing and playing softball were his two great hobbies, but his biggest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. Joe’s battle with cancer reached across the globe. His JoeHatStrong Facebook page provided updates on his battle and inspiration to many others fighting this disease. The family would like to thank everyone for lifting his spirits during his battle, whether cards or emails, or by posting pictures wearing his JoeHatStrong t-shirt on his Facebook page. He loved seeing all who were cheering him on, the state or country they were in, as well as the thoughtful notes that were included in the post. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory can be made to the Toys For Tots Foundation. Family and friends will honor and remember Joe’s life by gathering at the Maxwell Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin NJ, on Wednesday February 11th from 4 to 8pm. Funeral mass to be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Barnegat, NJ, on Thursday February 12th at 11am. Burial at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery will take place on Wednesday, February 18th , 1pm. A celebration of life mass will be held in Joe’s childhood hometown of Dedham, MA on March 7th at 10:30am at St Susanna’s Church, Dedham, MA. Visit saintsusanna.org for more details. We will always remain JoeHatStrong.