Joseph Leo Merrigan

Joseph "Joe" Merrigan

Joseph Merrigan, 52, of Brooklyn, NY, passed away on July 25, 2025, after suffering cardiac arrest from a cocaine overdose. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced brain dead.

Born in Vietnam and raised in New Jersey, Joe was the beloved son of Quang Merrigan-Coleman and the late Leo Merrigan, and the cherished brother of Kim (partner Vinny), Huu (wife Anna, children Elizabeth and Adam), and Thuy (children Hana and Tesla). He was the devoted father of his 15 yo son, Kingston, whom he raised with his wife, Sacha Merrigan.

Joe grew up riding BMX bikes, exploring the Jersey Shore seawall, and teaching himself bass guitar. In high school, he started a band that continued for years, playing in venues from St. Mark's Street in NYC to stages across the city's music scene. A lover of heavy metal-especially Ozzy Osbourne-Joe carried his passion for music into every season of his life.

He eventually channeled his creativity and technical skills into founding his own audio-visual company, RFC Productions Brooklyn, becoming well-respected in the Brooklyn events community. Joe had a generous heart, always ready to help friends and neighbors, and in the months before his passing, he lovingly cared for his 89 year old mother.

In the weeks before his death, Joe and his sister Thuy shared a conversation about faith and Jesus and how their father, Leo, would be so proud of the dedicated father he had become to his son, Kingston "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NKJV) was a promise she held onto, believing that Joe found peace and welcome in his final moments. She also believes their father, Leo, a devout Catholic, greeted him in heaven with open arms.

Joe's humor, loyalty, and love for his family will be deeply missed.

Joe's death is a heartbreaking reminder that addiction can claim even the strongest among us, often in silence. His family had no idea he was struggling, and the circumstances surrounding his passing remain painful and unresolved. What will never be in question is the love he gave, the loyalty he showed, and the life he built for his son. Joe's sister, and especially his mother, have given generously to Sacha in this difficult season and hold hope that one day there will be a memorial service with his friends, wife and son-one that will properly honor Joe's life, his dedication to family, and his contributions to his community.

As Ozzy Osbourne once sang, "Mama, I'm coming home."