Joseph H. Philpott Jr. “Uncle Joey” 84, of Tewksbury, MA, passed away peacefully May 7, 2024 with his niece by his side. Joseph son to the late Joseph Sr. and Madeline (Carpenter) Philpott. He was preceded in death by his devoted sisters, Barbara Melanson and Janice Lockhart.
The youngest of three, Uncle Joey was born in Mount Kisco, NY April 3, 1940 with severe cerebral palsy. Despite doctors’ grim prognosis that he would not survive into adolescence, with unwavering support from his family, he defied the odds and lived a fulfilling life to old age. Joseph resided in Tewksbury with his mother, Madeline, until her passing, after which he moved in with his sister Janice and her husband, Arty, where he made his home.
A familiar figure in town, known for his lifelong dedication to walking, he could often be found strolling to Batter-Up, during the 90s, to indulge in his passion for sports memorabilia, or frequenting the Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks Lodge where he formed countless friendships and remained an active presence in the community. With a deck of cards always at his side, Joey’s love for card games brought joy and connection to everyone who shared in his playful spirit. Uncle Joey had an insatiable appetite for both food and sports. He relished summertime dives in the pool and concluded many evenings with the volume turned up, immersed in classic Western films. No family gathering felt whole in his absence.
As Uncle Joey is welcomed into Heaven by God, he sheds the confines of his cerebral palsy, reuniting with his family on the other side liberated from all afflictions. While on earth leaving behind his brother-in-law Arthur Lockhart of Tewksbury, niece Darlene Lockhart of Tewksbury, niece Dawn Roberts and her husband Gregg of Wilmington, nephew Dean Lockhart and his wife Lisa, nephew Bruce Melanson and his wife Debra of Montour Falls, New York, niece Karen Mitchell of Hopedale, great niece Kaileigh Michalewicz of Tewksbury, great niece and his trusted barber Madison DeNorscia and her husband Justin of Tewksbury, great niece MacKenzie Roberts of Wilmington and many more great nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances that will miss him dearly.
You are welcome to attend his visitation on Tuesday May 14, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury. His Funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m.. His burial will take place privately at the Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree, MA. Arrangements by the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com