Joseph (Joe) Brophy's Obituary
Joseph (Joe) Francis Brophy was born on July 15, 1939 and passed away on January 27, 2021, due to complications from Covid-19. Joe was born in Queens (Elmhurst), New York to Joseph and Mary Dooley Brophy. He graduated from St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn, New York, and, later St. John’s University with an English degree. After graduating from St. John’s University, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Joe was a very proud Marine.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Moya Brophy Gowing.
Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anne Mulqueen Brophy, his three sons and their wives- Joe & Catherine, Michael & Kate, Kevin & Kari, and his daughter and her husband Christina & Dr. Michael O’Shell, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Ella, Anna, Lauren, Ashley, Molly, Mary, Allie and Michael. Nothing brought more joy to “Papa Joe’s/Pop Pop’s” world than spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow. In addition, he is also survived by his Gowing nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Joe worked in the publishing industry from 1967 to 2020. Joe spent forty-one years with W. H. Sadlier Inc. in New York and Dallas. He loved working with Catholic schools and boasted about “selling salvation”. His friendships with principals, pastors, teachers and co-workers brought great joy to his life.
Joe met Anne Mulqueen at a Halloween party in New York City. He married the love of his life on July 2, 1966. They began their family in New York City and Long Island, NY. They were able to maintain friendships with their lifelong friends from New York, even after moving to Richardson, Texas in 1974. Joe and Anne became involved in their children’s schools at St. Paul the Apostle School, Jesuit Prep, and Ursuline Academy. He loved coaching his kids in basketball and baseball, and being an ardent supporter of their various sporting and extracurricular activities.
In 2000, Joe became involved in the Irish American Society. He later became the President of the ISA, and, since then he and Anne have enjoyed the many friendships that they have formed and supporting the ISA and promoting its causes. One of his favorite memories was riding down Greenville Ave. in a convertible during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. He enjoyed his weekly luncheons and celebrating at Trinity Hall with his fellow members, and his trips to Ireland with family and friends.
Joe loved life, his family, his friends and was devoutly committed to the Catholic church and his faith. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, a nice pint of Smithwick’s, a fine Brunello, and his go to vodka on the rocks, which he particularly enjoyed while grilling (burning) a hamburger or steak in his backyard over his charcoal grill.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 from 4pm-6pm at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243. Joe’s life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass at noon on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Road, Dallas Texas 75244. Due to Covid-19, social distancing and masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Bishops Invitational Golf Tournament supporting Dallas area Catholic schools online (https://bishopsgolf.org) or by check made out to “Bishop’s Invitational Golf Tournament” and mailed to 3725 Blackburn St, Dallas, TX 75219.
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