Joseph Daniel Foley

Joseph Daniel Foley obituary, Swampscott, MA

Joseph Daniel Foley

Joseph Foley Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 11, 2024.
Joseph Daniel Foley, born on September 1st, 1958, gracefully completed his journey on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. After graduating from Northeastern University, he started his career as an electrical engineer where he worked for Axcelis Technologies for over 4 decades. His innovative spirit and unparalleled intellect led to the creation of numerous patents in the semiconductor industry. His intellect was matched only by his unwavering loyalty, making him a respected figure among colleagues and friends alike.

His love for adventure and the outdoors was evident in his passion for skiing and volunteering as a ski instructor for the disabled at NEHSA (New England Handicapped Sports Association) for many years.

In his leisure time, Joseph found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from savoring pastries and falafel in the North End to cruising the streets in his cherished Porsche 911, a symbol of his passion and pride. He loved to take walks along the beach, hikes, shoot targets, and spend time with his family. There was his love for animals, particularly his beloved grand dogs Sadie and Leo. They were more than just pets to him; they were his faithful companions and sources of unconditional love.

Above all, Joseph cherished his role as a devoted father to his daughters, Serena and Gabriella. He was a constant source of love, guidance, and support, shaping their lives with his wisdom and unwavering presence. Joseph's commitment to family extended beyond his immediate kin, as he embraced his role as a loving husband to Phyllis, a beloved brother, uncle, and friend to many.

As we bid farewell to Joseph Daniel Foley, may his legacy of intellect, loyalty, and kindness serve as a guiding light for us all. Though he may have left this world, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Joseph is predeceased by his parents Adella and Joseph Foley Sr., daughter Daniella Foley and sister-in-law Sandra Serafini. Joseph also leaves behind his beloved brothers, sister, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Joseph Foley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 7, 2025

Margaret Bachini Kimball posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2024

Mike and Merrily Griffin posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2024

Chris Hansen posted to the memorial.

Margaret Bachini Kimball

April 7, 2025

Hi Foley Family Can't believe how time passes but the memory of our
love one stays with us forever
Many prayers

Mike and Merrily Griffin

April 20, 2024

Dear Phyllis and family - Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Thinking anout you during this difficult time.

Chris Hansen

April 20, 2024

Dear Phyllis, Serena, and Gabriella,
I am remembering Joe who always stopped to talk when out on walks or at neighborhood parties. One of the good guys with a quirky sense of humor and a great love of family and nature.
Chris Hansen

Bob Wayne

April 15, 2024

Really sad to hear about the passing of Joe. I knew him and worked with him when he first started at Axcelis. We worked on projects together talked about building houses and work and life. He was very approachable as an engineer who listened to your input and worked closely with everyone and really respected your opinion. I'll raise a glass for him and think good thoughts about him.
Bob Wayne

Carolyn Kelley

April 15, 2024

Phyllis, Serena, Gabriella,

I am so terribly sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband and father. Joe was one of the first instructors at NEHSA I was lucky enough to be paired with when I started volunteering at NEHSA many years ago. His devotion to you and the many NEHSA athletes and racers he coached and mentored was and is an inspiration to us all. I hope with time you will find peace and comfort in your many loving memories.

Carolyn

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Anne Marie & George Abbott

Planted Trees

Anne Marie & George Abbott

April 14, 2024

Dear Phyllis, Serene and Gabriella,
Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear of Joe´s passing. We´ll always hold dear the many memories made over the past 35 something years of our friendship. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and friend to many who knew him. He will remain in our hearts forever.

Love,
Anne Marie & George

William Reed

April 13, 2024

Joe and I worked together for many years. I remember, first and foremost, his great sense of humor. Great friend, great engineer. May your memories of him bring warmth to your heart.

Sherry and Cory Deermount

April 13, 2024

Dear Phyllis, Gabriella and Serena,
We are so sorry for your loss. Joe has always been so kind to us since we moved to Swampscott in 2013, and we feel honored and blessed to have known him as our friend. We are thinking of you and praying that your fond memories will ease your sadness during this difficult time. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.
Hugs,
Sherry and Cory

Single Memorial Tree

Margaret Bachini & Family(K)

Planted Trees

Christine ( Cronin) Gorveatt

April 13, 2024

I have fond memories as a kid group camping with the Foley family! It was a yearly trip that I always looked forward too! I remember Joe always being so involved the his daughters. My condolences to him family and his friends as they process this loss.

Single Memorial Tree

David Fila

Planted Trees

Janice , lenny and Michael Polacco

April 12, 2024

Phyllis , Serena and Gabriela, we are so saddened to here of Joe´s passing. We thought very highly of him and know how devoted he was to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief.
God Bless,
Janice , Lenny and Michael Polacco

Jerry & Silvana Shaughnessy

April 12, 2024

Our deepest condolences to Phyllis, Serena and Gabriella. We got to know Joe when we spent time together in Italy. A kind and gentle man. Thoughts are with the family during this very sad time.
Jerry and Silvana Shaughnessy

Paula and Kurt Pretzler

April 12, 2024

We will miss you Joe. Long time Axcelis friends 40 years.
Our sympathy to your family.
Sincerely,
Paula and Kurt Pretzler

Rocco Serafini

April 12, 2024

To Phyliss, Serena & Gabriella:
We are very sorry to hear of Joseph's passing. He has gone but will not be forgotten. May you all find solace that he is resting in peace and looking down upon you.

Cousins Rocky & Annie Serafini

Joe Valinski

April 12, 2024

I worked with Joe for many years at Axcelis, and I always enjoyed our conversations. He was extremely smart and a good and patient teacher of high-voltage electrical systems. And as a fellow dog lover, I enjoyed his latest story about his grand dogs. He also came up with a few nick names for the 3 Joes who helped develop one of our latest tools, based on a favorite western movie of his. He called me "Good Joe", and he called the most-handsome one "Ugly Joe". And he reserved "Bad Joe" for himself. It always made me chuckle when, at the end of a work-related email, he signed "Bad Joe". I´ll miss you Joe.

Axcelis Manufacturing Team

April 12, 2024

We will miss you Joe - Thank You for all your support, patience, and guidance.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Axcelis Manufacturing Team

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Joseph ("Good Joe") Valinski

Planted Trees

Serena Foley

April 11, 2024

Miss you daddy. I loved doing everything with you. Leo and Sadie miss you too. It won´t be the same without you.

Single Memorial Tree

Kathleen Goulette

Planted Trees

Kathleen Goulette

April 11, 2024

What a great man. I worked for Joe for many years. He always went above and beyond his role to help me do a better job. He had infinite patience in 'dumbing it down' to help bring me up. I learned much from Joe over the years. He was a great friend and was always interested and helpful. Everyone loses by Joe being around.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph Foley's name

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Foley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Joseph Foley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 7, 2025

Margaret Bachini Kimball posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2024

Mike and Merrily Griffin posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2024

Chris Hansen posted to the memorial.