Obituary of Joseph Friel

JOSEPH FRANCIS XAVIER FRIEL, of Somers Point, age 59, departed this world on April 25, 2024 and is happy to be back in the loving arms of his Mother, Father and Savior. Joe died of natural causes (heart failure) while sitting in his favorite recliner and trying to coach his beloved Phil's to another victory. Joe was born at the ACMC on July 15, 1964 to Martin L. and Anna Mae Friel (Keebler). He was the youngest of 5 ornery Irish brothers who adored him. He was the best "baby" brother a guy could hope for. From the hospital, Joe first lived in Buzby Village in the Chelsea Heights section of Atlantic City, He attended OLSS through the 3rd grade where Joe enjoyed playing organized and pick-up football, basketball, and baseball. His summers were spent at the Albany Ave beach and in the back bays. In 1972 the Friel clan moved to Mt. Vernon Ave. in Northfield. Joe attended Mill Road school through 8th grade then on to MRHS through 12th grade. He continued his involvement in organized sports which went by the wayside in high school where he realized a passion for street hockey, which he played in until his late 20's. In the early 1980's Joe was elated to become an ocean lifeguard on the ACBP and joined his brothers Marty, Pat, Tim and Bud in the lifesaving business. Joe was stationed out of Florida Ave tent under Capt. John Grace and enjoyed 5 wonderful and memorable summers. He then went to work at Mazzeo's Fruit and Produce in Northfield for the next 30+ years where the Mazzeo's treated him like family. Five years ago Joe went to work at Shoprite in Somers Point as a member of UFCW Local 152. He continued this job until being called home. Joe was a lifelong and passionate Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers fan. More importantly Joe was ALWAYS a humble, kind and giving soul. Our Dad once said, "if you don't like Joe, you really are an A-hole". Joe was predeceased by his loving parents, Marty and Nancy. He is survived by his special Aunt and surrogate mother, Patricia Andaloro (Keebler). To carry on his good name and great memories he leaves behind his 5 lucky brothers, Martin 3rd (Vicki Smith); Patrick: Tim (Sabina Walsh); Michael (Wendy) and Bud. To keep an eye on his brothers he leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews that he adored; Christy and Matt; Tim Jr, Ryan, Jimmy, Jack, Rachel and Bridget: Louise who he resided with for 15 years; Bud Jr, Nichol, and Randi. Also spread out over the landscape is a host loving cousins from the Friel, Philips, Minetti, Andaloro and Keebler Clans. Funeral Services to honor Joe will be held at Gormley Funeral Home lLC 2706 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City , Friday, May 3rd at 12:00pm. Visitation with the family will precede this service from 10:00am until 12:00pm. Please feel free to dress casually. Burial will be private at a later date at Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery, Tilton Road in Pomona, NJ A family and friends luncheon (wake) will follow at the Moose Lodge in Chelsea Heights. Those who desire to make a memorial donation in Joe's name are encouraged to do so at the St. Judes Children's Hospital Memorials Processing 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or the ACPD Police Foundation. Joe would really like it if we each reached out to an old friend and say hello that we've been putting off, or treat a less fortunate stranger to a hot meal and kind words of encouragement. Rest easy Brother Joe, the 5 of us have it from here. Give Mom and Dad a HUGE hug, and until we meet again…Slainte'.