Joseph P. Halloran

Joseph P. Halloran, 92, of Worcester, died Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Jewish Healthcare Center after a brief illness. For those who had the pleasure of knowing Joseph, “Joe,” “Jerome,” were well aware of his love of sports (esp., basketball) and games of skill (esp., Cribbage) and his unwavering devotion of the Red Sox and the Celtics. Joe’s fiery competitive spirit, sharp wit, and even sharper elbows were legendary. Joe’s passion for sports was only outmatched by his love for his family, who surrounded him with caring arms till his last day.

Joseph was born in Worcester on September 7, 1933, to James and Nora (Talty) Halloran, but raised by Paternal relatives Patrick and Catherine (Howe) Griffin. Being born into The Depression and having his mother die days after his birth, Joseph learned early on that life can be difficult. Joseph worked for 40+ years for Wyman-Gordon as a heat treatment technician, prior to his retirement.

Joseph found the support he required and desired with his wife of 37 years Catherine “Phyllis” (Gavin) Halloran who passed in 1992. Together they created a "championship- level” family: comprised of 6 sons: Joseph (Cheryl), Kevin (Maryellen), Robert (Megan), Michael (Maureen), Paul (Patricia), Brian (Kathleen); and two daughters, Patricia (Chester) Chamberlain and Christine (Mark) Kooyomjian, with whom he lived. Their growing legacy includes 26 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joseph also leaves his long-time companion Roberta Kelly of Hyannis, MA.

Joseph was predeceased in death by his wife Phyllis, his son Robert, and his siblings James Halloran; Catherine (Halloran) Dillinsky; Mary (Halloran) Both; Margaret (Griffin) O’Neil, Catherine (Griffin) Powers, and Donald Griffin.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, March 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, April 1, at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605 or Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609.