Joseph Michael Mayer

Joseph M. Mayer, a longtime resident of Naples, FL, and Stony Brook, NY passed away on March 13, 2025
Joe was born in Manhattan, NY, in 1936 to Joseph J. Mayer and Catherine McBride. He was preceded in death by his father and biological mother and wife Judith Hill Mayer.
Joe grew up in Brooklyn and Long Island, NY attending Grover Cleveland and Bishop Loughlin High Schools. He went on to graduate from Cortland College with a bachelors degree and later earned a masters degree from Queens College (CUNY). While at Cortland, Joe was a talented athlete, lettering in football and serving as a three-year starter and captain of the basketball team. In his senior year, he helped lead the Red Dragons to the New York State University Championship.
In 1958, Joe met the love of his life, Judith Hill. They married in 1960 and shared a beautiful life together, raising six children in Stony Brook, NY. Joe was a devoted husband, father, and later, a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather.
Throughout his teaching career, Joe made a lasting impact as an educator and coach. He taught and coached in Greenlawn, NY at Harborfields High School. He was also deeply involved in shaping young athletes futures having cofounded The Three Village Lacrosse and Three Village Basketball youth leagues. He was selected to the Nassau County Basketball Hall of Fame and served as Vice President of the Suffolk Coaches Association. He retired from teaching in 1991 and remained active in basketball until 2005.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joe was a man of many passions. He enjoyed watching college basketball, reading, playing pinochle, and golfing at the Classics Club in Naples, FL, where he was a member for 20 years. He stayed in touch with former players and family, cherishing lifelong friendships.
Joe is survived by his six children, Christine (Lance) Wickel, Kathleen Geiger, Kimberly (Michael) Ericksen, Keren (Gerard) Cappiello, Joseph (Kerry) Mayer, Catherine (Perry) Cassidy, 22 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way), and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Joe lived a full and meaningful life, filled with love, laughter, and dedication to those he cared about. His presence, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A celebration of his life will be held in the coming months on Long Island.
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