Joseph Edward Cawley

On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, Joseph E. Cawley, Jr. (also known as Joe, Big Joe and Papa Joe), a loving husband and father of two children, caught a ride to his next, big adventure and passed away peacefully and in the company of his family at the age of 77. One might think he was approaching 100 based on the fullness of his life - or perhaps 60, with his youthful, good looks and creative spirit.

Joe was born on May 12, 1943 in Scranton, PA to Joseph E. and Helen (McDonell) Cawley. He grew up as one of the southside “Cawley boys” and excelled at athletics, shenanigans and cultivating, along with his brother, Jimmy, a collection of experiences that one would only think imagined. Joe was raised to call you Mister, help a friend in need, and let you know, quickly and directly, if you had crossed a line.

Joe attended South Catholic High School and then Villanova University. On June 24, 1967, he married Helen Margaret O’Malley of Clarks Green, PA, the love of his life, and his real adventure began. They raised two daughters, Christie and Lynn and a succession of the best trained dogs in the world -according to Joe. He was often referred to as a dog whisperer, however, sources close to the family suspect that the dogs were simply willing actors in Joe’s hilarious antics. Joe Cawley possessed the infamous Irish story telling charm, along with the ability to make the mundane an adventure, with an incredible dose of authenticity and a heart as big as his bear hugs.

Joe had a passion for flying. He earned his pilot’s license while serving honorably in the United States Marine Reserves until 1967. Joe loved his ability to gain flight and to look the horizon in the eye. Flying was his joy and fortunately an interest he was able to continue in his later years. Over his life, Joe was honored with various trophies and awards, but he was most honored by the simple things in life – a great meal, good music and the company of friends and family. He cherished the opportunity to help those in need. He was a wonderful mentor in business and in life because he was willing to be honest and real. He was willing to share mistakes he had made in the attempt to help someone else sidestep an obstacle, and he always had your back. He inspired confidence in others. It was truly his gift.

He also loved to write and channeled much of his energy in retirement to developing that craft. He left treasured letters, poems and stories to family members. He combined his two favorite hobbies to create extraordinary stories and authored two novels: “Hallowed Gesture” and “Jimbo”.

Joe was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. His friendships were genuine, his kindness was sincere, and his willingness to live life to the fullest was his motto. Joe pronounced no regrets at the end of his life with the possible exceptions of more time with his beloved wife, and perhaps regretting the authorship of his own obituary, which most likely would have started with: “So you think I am gone, do you?”

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joe, and his mother, Helen, along with his brothers Capt. James P. Cawley and Michael R. Cawley. He is survived by his wife Margie, his two children, Christie Cawley (Pittsburgh, PA) and Lynn ( Mike) Israel (Jacksonville, FL), and his sister, Mary (James, deceased) Brown (Orlando, FL) and several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and beloved grandchildren (Cawley, Topy and Abby Israel and Allie Knott).

Joe and Margie retired to Florida and resided in Ponte Vedra. Throughout their 52 years of marriage, they also enjoyed adventures in residences in: Scranton, PA, Cleveland, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Philadelphia, PA and Rochester, NY.

A celebration of life was held for immediate family members. Friends may honor his life by volunteering time to their favorite charitable service organizations or by making memorial contributions to: Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32257, or to K9 for Warriors (k9forwarriors.org) 114 Camp K9 Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081, where Joe and Margie enjoyed volunteering.