Joseph William "Joe" Gerety, 68, of Woburn, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully after a long battle of ALS and Prostate Cancer on October 1, 2026, at Glenridge Nursing Home in Medford, with his daughter, Kristen, by his side.
Born and raised in Woburn, Joe was proud to call the city home. He was a true Woburn guy who cherished his lifelong friendships and the community he loved. Joe was a free spirit with a great sense of humor and an unmistakable ability to talk to anyone. He loved teasing, telling stories, making people laugh, and bringing people together. He was happiest surrounded by family and friends, whether at the East Woburn 99s, Polcari`s, or one of the many local spots where he was known and loved. He enjoyed good food, good conversation, all kinds of music, a Bud Light and a shot of Sambuca, and never missed an opportunity to join a conversation.
Family was at the heart of Joe`s life. He often said, "You show up for family," and he lived by those words. He loved his brothers, nieces, nephews, and extended family deeply and was always there when someone needed him.
Joe began his career in the forklift industry after graduating high school, working for Brody, then Crown Lift Trucks and ending his career with Nitco. He made lifelong friendships throughout his career. A die-hard New England sports fan, he was a devoted supporter of the Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics.
Some of Joe`s happiest memories were made with his daughter, Kristen. They spent summers camping and especially enjoyed North Conway and the Kancamagus Highway. Joe loved their spontaneous trips, sometimes simply grabbing coffee from Dunkin` and deciding to drive north for the day. He was also a father who always showed up. Kristen knew she could call him anytime, whether she needed help with car trouble, a ride home, or simply her dad`s support.
Joe adored his granddaughter, Adaline. Though he was not able to spend as much time with her as he wished, his love for her was immense, and he would have spoiled her, attended every event, and been a constant presence in her life. Kristen will make sure Adaline grows up knowing who her Grampy was and how deeply he loved her.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, the late John Gerety and Emma (McDonough) Gerety; his brothers, John Gerety and James Gerety; and his sister-in-law, Janis Gerety.
He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kristen Colby, and her husband, Jared Colby; his granddaughter, Adaline Colby; his brothers, Robert Gerety and his wife, Debbie, and Tom Gerety and his wife, Patti; his brother James` partner, Debra Wright; and his many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family, including Laura Gerety; Lisa Biller, her husband Tim, and their children Annabelle and Matthew; John Gerety; Jocelyn Gerety and her daughters Cora and Audrey Crow; Bobby Gerety and his partner Sarah; and Tom Gerety, his wife Colleen, and their children Cameron and Whitney.
His family will carry forward his laughter, stories, adventures, and the many memories he created with them. Joe lived life in his own way—with humor, heart, stubbornness, generosity, and plenty of personality. He loved his family fiercely, cherished his friends and hometown, and never forgot the importance of showing up for the people he loved.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Sunday, October 4th, from 2 to 6 p.m. and again on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn at 10:30 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Winchester.
It has been requested that In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe`s memory to the ALS Association.