Joseph Patrick "Joe" Cody Jr.

Joseph Patrick Cody Jr. was born on January 23, 1947, to Martina (Miller) and Joseph P. Cody. He was a proud graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School, Class of 1964, and St. Joseph's University, Class of 1968-institutions that shaped his values, friendships, and lifelong loyalty. In December 1967, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves, beginning a commitment to service that would span more than three decades. He retired in 2001 as a Captain, a role he carried with quiet pride and deep integrity.

On January 18, 1969, Joe married the love of his life, Kathleen (Werkley). They shared more than 56 years of marriage-years filled with devotion, partnership, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith, and friendship.

In his civilian career, Joe worked in various roles at the former Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, Pennsylvania, and later in Patuxent River, Maryland. In his later years, he served as an Ethics Officer at Lockheed Martin, a position that reflected the principles he lived by every day.

Joe found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends, especially at his second home in Avalon, New Jersey. He loved Phillies games, running spirited family March Madness tournaments, and cheering on the St. Joseph's University Hawks basketball team. He truly believed that "the Hawk will never die," and he lived that loyalty wholeheartedly.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; his daughter, Colleen Araco; his son-in-law, Nick Araco Jr.; and his grandchildren, Alexandra Araco, Victoria Araco, and Nick Araco III. He is also survived by his son, Patrick Jay Cody; his daughter-in-law, Katie Holden; and his grandchildren, Haley Cody and Bree Cody. He is also lovingly remembered by his faithful dog, Gracie.

Joe was a steady presence, a man of service and conviction, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Joe's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 10:00am until his Funeral Mass, 11:00am in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 1571 Temple Drive, Maple Glen, PA 19002. His interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to St. Joseph's Preparatory School, 1733 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, or at www.sjprep.org/giving