Joseph McNamara

Joe was the beloved son of Jeanne Guthrie and the late great Raymond A. McNamara. Joe passed away on September 27th, 2020, at the age of 58, after a 4 month illness with many complications. Joe and his family moved to Philadelphia in 1962.  He attended Ethan Allen School and St Timothy’s Catholic School and also Father Judge High School. He worked at Colson’ Lumber and George’s Sunoco in North Wildwood . He then went to work at UPS, working out of Pleasantville NJ, and was there 14 years and left after an accident. He returned to Philadelphia after the accident and found his dream job with St. Matts doing assistant coaching in football. He then went on to assistant coaching at Father Judge High School. All the boys became his “kids” and they kept in touch with him even after graduation. Joe has had many nicknames such as “The gentle giant”, “Coach Mac”, and just “Joey Mac”.  He had so many friends throughout his life and once you were his friend, it lasted a lifetime. He stayed close to the “guys” from Barnett St where he grew up. Joe had a gorgeous smile and the glitter in his gorgeous eyes was awesome. His first nickname was “Tiger”  given by his grandmother, the late Helen B. Guthrie. He was our “Sunshine”.

 Joe is survived by his mother, Jeanne and 3 siblings,  Debra Lynn McClay, James McNamara and Diane McNamara.  He adored his nieces, Jenn McClay, Lauren McClay, Rachel Visconto, Taylor Penrose and Alex McNamara. He was very close to his nephew, JD and the late John McClay. There are also 9 grand nieces and nephews.

Joe loved the Lord, was fond of  many types of music and was a real sports enthusiast.  The bond and love he shared with St. Matthew football team and especially his boys from Father Judge HS football team. Words don’t express that forever bond.  He was proud to be an American and loved the “flyovers” and the National Anthem. Joe just represented LOVE.

We all miss you so very much. Rest in peace my love! Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation and funeral on Monday, October 5th in St. Matthew RC Church, 3000 Cottman Ave. Phila., PA 19149. . You may visit and comfort the McNamara family from 9:15am – 10:15am  in the church. There will be a FUNERAL MASS at 10:30am. Interment will be at a later date.  In Lieu of flowers please make donations in Joe’s memory to St. Matthews Food Bank at the address listed above.