Joseph Patrick Hennelly
Joseph Patrick Hennelly of Drexel Hill, Pa., passed away peacefully at home in his family’s presence on February 4, 2023. He was 93 years old.
He is the beloved husband of Mary Ellen (nee Lavin) Hennelly and the loving father of Maureen P. (Kevin) McCarry, Ann E. (the late Mike) Kneafsey, Sheila A. (Thomas) McCabe, and Ellen M. (Dale) Bartlett. He is the proud grandfather of Megan, Kevin Sean, and Mary Ellen McCarry, Caitlin (Michael) Liccio, Ann Marie (Denis) Friel, Sarah (Paul) Orner III, Michael J. (Lolita) Kneafsey, Kathleen (Stefan) Reddi, Christine (James) Welsh III, Brendan (Kristin) Kneafsey, Claire (Matthew) Durso, Grace Ann, Jane, Pearce, Sean, and Colin Bartlett. Mr. Hennelly is also the greatgrandfather of Caitlin, Rachel, and Patrick Din Friel, Paul IV, Michaela, Taylor, and Finn Orner, Joseph Kneafsey, Elyse Reddi, Michael, and Blaine Welsh, Perry, Philip Kneafsey and two more expected this summer. He is the brother of Richard Hennelly and the late George (Kathy) Hennelly.
Mr. Hennelly was born in West Philadelphia to Patrick Joseph and Ellen M. (nee Blaine) Hennelly. He is a graduate of John Bartram High School. He joined the Merchant Marines right out of high school for one year and served in the United States Air Force for four years, where he taught telecommunications. He returned to the Philadelphia area and worked on the Railroad for a short time before being employed as a Red Arrow Division (Now SEPTA) bus driver for 38 years. He also owned a painting business where he painted houses daily before driving the bus. Mr. Hennelly was a devout Catholic. The two most essential things in Mr. Hennelly’s life were his faith and his family.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 8:30 to 10:45 am in The Funeral Home of John Stretch, 236 East Eagle Road Havertown, Pa. 19083, and to his Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 am in St. Denis Church 2401 St. Denis Lane Havertown, Pa. The interment will take place in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Delaware County, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, an offering in Mr. Hennelly’s name to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation Donation Processing Center P.O. Box 2005 Milford, New Hampshire 03055-2005 would be gratefully appreciated.