Joseph R. Linnehan

Watertown - Mr. Joseph R. Linnehan, of Watertown and Mattapoisett, formerly of Waltham died at home on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. He was 85.

Born on September 22, 1930 in Boston he was a son of the late Mary (Curley) Tobin along with Mary was raised by his step-father, Harry Tobin. He was a graduate of Lawrence Academy and was a proud alumnus of Boston College where he earned his bachelor's degree. He later earned his master's degree from Boston State Teachers College. Joe honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Joe's professional career began in September of 1959 with the City of Waltham as a history teacher at North Junior High School and entered administration as assistant principal at Central Junior High School and lastly at Kennedy Junior High School. His former students remember him with great affection and the memory of sometimes hearing him down a long corridor before seeing him . . . always certain to garner good behavior from the passers-by.

He worked for over 30 years before enjoying retirement on January 20, 1994. Joe was also a familiar face as a clerk at Post Road Liquors in Wayland where he worked for over 50 years.

An avid runner Joe completed numerous Boston marathons and various road races throughout the area. He loved his summer home in Mattapoisett and time sitting at his much loved beach, Crescent Beach. He was past president of the Waltham Teacher's Association and served as a delegate to the National Education Association.

His wife, Ann M. (Holland) Linnehan died May 29, 2003.

He leaves his children, Laura L. Deorocki and her husband, Christopher, Joseph R. Linnehan Jr. and his wife, Anna, both of Boxford and Judith E. Murray and her husband, Gerard of Duxbury; his grandchildren, Matthew and Brendan Deorocki, Quinn and Aidan Linnehan, Colin and Liam Murray; also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joseph's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, September 2nd from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to St. Julia's Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in his name may be Crescent Beach Improvement Fund, P.O. Box 552, Mattapoisett, MA 02379.