Joseph B. Cox, Sr.

Joseph B. Cox Sr., age 83, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the South Shore Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Rockland, Massachusetts. Born in County Roscommon, Ireland on July 22, 1941, he was the son of Joseph and Marian L. Cox. Joe spent his early years growing up on a farm in a small village of Skeagh Kilmore. After his elementary education Joe went right to work, but his desire to learn did not stop there. When asked about his education, Joe would often say how he looked forward to "meeting the scholars on on their way home and taking a leaf or two." He would have a twinkle in his eye when he spoke about it. 

As a young boy, Joe's mother immigrated to the United States, seeking out opportunities to make a better life for her family, and when the time came, she sent for her children to join her, one by one. In April of 1957, it was Joe's turn to chase the American dream when he reunited with his mother in Brighton, Massachusetts. Joe immediately set out to make that dream a reality. Over the next few years Joe learned the ins and outs of construction, perfecting his trade and developing keen business skills. In the early 1960's Joe's hard work and diligence paid off when he started his own company, the Joseph B. Cox Contracting Co, which he proudly advertised on the Irish Hour. 

Joe managed to find some time to relax and enjoy one of his favorite hobbies- dancing- as often as he could. He looked forward to heading to the dance hall, showing off his perfect jitterbug or twist, and having a good time with friends, old and new. One evening, Joe spotted a beautiful young woman, and he knew at that moment that she was the one for him. On September 28, 1963, Joe married the love of his life. He married Alice Marie Boyle at the Immaculate Conception Church in Everett, Massachusetts. The newlyweds started out their married life in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts but soon after moved to West Roxbury, Massachusetts where they enjoyed raising their young family. In 1975, the family moved to Franklin, New Hampshire, before returning to Massachusetts in 1977, this time settling into a very nice home in Walpole. Joe continued to grow his business, making many business connections as well as dear friends along the way. Never one to rest on his laurels, Joe was always looking for ways to learn and provide for his family. One way he did this was by becoming both a licensed realtor and broker. Joe was a phenomenal businessman, and he used his expertise in construction and contracting as well as real estate to purchase, renovate, rehabilitate, and sell many properties. He worked hard all of his life, and truly earned his retirement in 2001 at the age of 60. 

Joe will be remembered for a great many things; his strong work ethic, his determination, his enthusiasm, his contagious personality, his generosity, his unmatched wit, his selflessness, his love of black trucks and Cadillacs, the "Joe Cox Move", and his ability to share hope and laughter- just to name a few. His legacy will live on, having passed on many lessons and traits to his children and grandchildren. Joe's family was his pride and joy. He worked hard to provide for them and support them in any way that he could. He taught them the value of a day's work, the importance of reckless kindness, and the impact that a good sense of humor can have. Joe was so thankful for his family and proud of them, often reminding them that "You're a Cox, you can do anything". 

In his free time, Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved having the chance to tell stories and make memories. He was always looking for a way to help his loved ones and kept an eye out for ways to do so. Joe could often be found tinkering in his workshop that he built, warming up by a nice fire, tending to his garden, or watching an action movie- especially one of the Rocky films. Joe always enjoyed special times with his wife Alice of 61 years. 

He will be greatly missed. 

Beloved husband of Alice Marie (Boyle) Cox 

Loving father of Maureen A. Hall and her husband David of Athol, Alice M. DelRaso of Walpole, Joseph B. Cox Jr. and his wife Andrea of Mansfield, Keith J. Cox of Walpole, and Lauren M. Rutkin and her husband David of North Easton 

Cherished grandfather of Timothy, Tony, Joseph III, Lincoln, Logan, Nick, and Tyler; and great grandfather of Brayden and Myles 

Brother of Caroline Tierney, Dorothy Morrissey, the late Martin Cox, Claire Cox Cordero, and Brendan Cox 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joe's Life Celebration on Monday, October 21st, 2024, from 10:00- 11:00 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole, at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private.