Joseph T. McCoy, Sr.

Joseph T. McCoy, Sr. 92, of Clearwater Florida, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, January 17, 2025. Born July 3,1932 in South Heights, PA, he was the son of the late John and Ruth (Sullivan) McCoy. Joe was proceeded in death by his wife of 40 years, Doreen (McNeill) McCoy (1994); more recently his partner of 20 years, Gail Paliferro (2020); 3 brothers; John, Kenneth, and Donald McCoy, and three sisters: Eileen Watson, Judith Dunn, and Nancy Mason.

Joseph was employed at Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation, Aliquippa works for more than 30 years, working as a crane operator in addition to always having a second job; managing properties; or as a bus driver, painter, or handyman. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and was a longtime active member of Moose Lodge 433, Palm Harbor Florida. He belonged to the House of Prayer Lutheran Church formerly serving as a council member and treasurer before retiring to Clearwater in 1985. After moving, Joe became maintenance supervisor at the Clearwater mall and was the go-to “fix-it” guy for family and friends.

He and Doreen first met at the Aliquippa skating rink. They enjoyed dancing and having a fun time listening to Hawaiian steel guitar or classic country music. Joe would often be found in the afternoon in his kitchen playing number or word games on his IPAD and blasting Patsy Cline through his Google home speaker. He loved technology and eagerly learned how to text and facetime with family. His greatest pleasure was to play chess, Rummikub or Nintendo Golf with his grandchildren. Joe was an avid golfer and a champion bowler.

As “The Real McCoy” he was proud of his Irish and Scottish ancestry, often telling stories of growing up with little means but having loving grandparents and parents who taught him how to live life to the fullest with humor and hard work. Early on, he learned to hunt with the McCoy family and shared that love with his sons as a member of the Trophy Hunter’s Camp that was founded by his father and brothers.  

Surviving Joe are his younger sister, Shirley “Bunny” Caton of Hopewell, PA; his four children: Joseph Thomas McCoy (Jr) and Billie McCoy of Georgetown, PA; Gerald Dean McCoy of Aliquippa; Theresa Ann (Terri McCoy) and Michael J. Bonk of New Kensington; Scott Allan and Sandra McCoy of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joseph (Jody) McCoy was a devoted father and grandfather. His laughter, sense of humor, and his enthusiasm for life will be missed.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Darroch Cremation and Funeral Tributes, Inc. 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa, PA. where a memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 1st at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery, Aliquippa.

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