JosepH C. Gaughan Born: Jan. 24, 1929; Shenandoah, PA Died: Nov. 22, 2013; Wildwood, NJ Joseph Charles Gaughan, January 24, 1929 - November 22, 2013. It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph Charles Gaughan, "Pop-Pop", and "Joe" to his friends and family, passed away on November 22, 2013, in Wildwood, New Jersey, at the age of 84 years. He left us on his terms - fiercely independent, by the shore, devoted to the spirit of his wife, Carolyn, of 54 years, and her, "Can 't means Won 't" mantra. Joe, the oldest of three boys, will be lovingly remembered by his surviving brother, Jim; five children, Terence, Dennis, Patrick, Carolyn Kelly, and Christopher. He will also be fondly remembered by his nine grandchildren, Brendan, McKenna, Keeley, Jake, Mia, Christopher, Andrew, Casey, and Peyton, and by his extended family, Dee Dee and Jack McKeever. Born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, with strong family ties to Philadelphia, Joseph was a West Catholic High and Temple University graduate. He served in the army, participated in atomic weapons testing, and fought in the Korean War from 1952 to 1955. He provided for his family as an outstanding salesman in the industrial space, taking them to Manhattan Beach, California, Cincinnati, Ohio, and finally Glen Ellyn, Illinois outside of Chicago. Joseph 's favorite poem was, "IF" by Rudyard Kipling, and preached the importance of "....keep your head when all about you are losing theirs ...." Joseph was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren, and encouraged them to compete with the best and the brightest. He was committed to the dreams of his family. Despite overwhelming educational expenses, Joseph always found a way to provide financial and emotional support to his children and grandchildren, and was extremely proud of their graduations from a variety of prestigious universities and graduate schools. Affectionately referred to as the "Great Pontificator", his words of wisdom with that perfect Manhattan cocktail in hand will be missed. The passing of Joseph 's wife, Carolyn, in September 2011, led him to a special relationship with Wildwood 's St. Simeon by the Sea Episcopal Church. He loved all the special people there, and marveled at the inclusive family atmosphere offered to those outside the church as well as within. Joseph 's love of St. Simeon brings smiles to those who know his religious background, and became an inspirational jewel within the Wildwood community. The family and friends of Joseph Gaughan, would like to extend a special thank you to Veteran Affairs and the Blind Center of Jersey Cape, for the outstanding care and support given to Joseph and others in time of need. A celebration of Joseph Gaughan 's life, and union with his wife, Carolyn, will be held at St. Simeon by the Sea Episcopal Church in Wildwood, New Jersey, on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 11:00am EST so that, according to his wishes, his children and grandchildren can enjoy the Wildwood beaches, boardwalk, and fireworks without missing school. Memorial donations in memory of Joseph, can be made to: St. Simeon by the Sea Episcopal Church, 609- 522-8389, 2502 Central Avenue North, Wildwood, NJ 08260 Condolences at: www.radzieta.com
Published in Suburban Life Publications on Dec. 12, 2013
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