J. Joseph ‘ Joe’ McGonagle of Provincetown died Monday, June 15th at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. He was the husband of Cynthia (Thomas) McGonagle.
Born and educated in Boston, Joe started working at an early age to help support his family. Joe did several different jobs before becoming a Social Worker. He worked his way up from a Social Work Aide to Executive Director of Hope House in Boston. During his long tenure at the agency, he helped hundreds of people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction to a life of sobriety. After taking an early retirement, he moved to Provincetown and worked as a caretaker, becoming a ‘jack-of-all-trades’.
A US Army veteran, he enjoyed fishing, gardening and bird-watching from his back deck. An avid reader of non-fiction, he especially enjoyed books about WW II and developed a vast knowledge about that period in history. He also enjoyed being at home with his wife, Cindy. He was active in AA and had many friends in the program.
In addition to his wife Cindy, he leaves his former wife Eileen (Doherty) McGonagle of Marshfield, a son Edward Michael McGonagle, a daughter Cheryl Mary McGonagle and a brother, Edward McGonagle of Revere. He was predeceased by his parents John and Mary McGonagle and a brother, Francis ‘Pat’ McGonagle.
A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 23rd at 10:00 am in St Peter the Apostle Church, Prince St, Provincetown. Burial will follow in St. Peters Cemetery.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Provincetown Rescue Squad, PO Box 109, Provincetown, MA 02657.