Joseph McCloskey

Regardless of where he was Joe went out of his way to meet people. Even if he was in a waiting room or elevator he’d strike up a conversation. Age 15 found Joe entering into the seminary, St. Charles Borromeo, and his life in the field of education began. He had initially wanted to be a Marine Corps Chaplain but was pressed into teaching. Turned out to be a nice fit, becoming high school principal of Arch Bishop Kennedy in Conshohocken, Pa, Cardinal O’Hara in Bromall, Pa, Clearview in Harrison Twp., NJ and was founding principal at Schalick in Pittsgrove Twp. He’d eventually retire as principal of Salem Co. Vo Tech., Woodstown, NJ. But Joe was unable to sit still. He went to work as a counselor with the State of NJ Employee Assistance and the Juvenile Correction Dept., taught philosophy at Gloucester County College and amused himself driving a bus for Walt’s Bus Service and the tow truck at Spirit Chrysler. Wherever Joe moved he joined his local Catholic church, but for him being a parishioner was never passive. He got involved as a lector, sang in the choir and served on the bereavement committee.
He hired his wife, Nancy while principal at Salem Co. Vo. Tech. When propriety allowed he asked her out and has spent the last 24 years making her happy. He is survived by daughters, Rebecca, Kristina (Stanley) Wilds, Kara Faester, Kimberly (Mitchell) Page; his brother, William; 4 grand children and his verbal sparing partner, mother in law, “Amazing” Grace Higgerson. Joe was pre deceased by a son, Brian.
Come celebrate 84 interesting years Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro and Wednesday from 9am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 49 W. North St., Clayton where the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am. Burial Holy Name Cemetery, Mullica Hill.
Donations to Kingsway Education Fund, 213 Kings Highway, Woolwich Twp, 08085 will be appreciated.