Born in Teaneck, New Jersey on August 14, 1927, Joe attended Teaneck High School and spent two years in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He received a degree in chemical engineering from Bucknell University through the GI Bill. He also received a certification in accounting and industrial psychology from the Stephens Institute of Technology.
He was employed at Merck & Co., General Precision, and Curtis Wright; he spent the last 25 years of his professional life at Perkin-Elmer. This included work on Skylab, the Hubble Telescope, and the Micralign Alignment System, a milestone in the early semiconductor industry.
After retirement, Joe volunteered at the Dorothy Day Homeless Center in Danbury, CT, and taught English as a second language to new immigrants. He self-published an autobiography and a book of “Joe’s Musings.” His hobby for many years was wood sculpting.
He was active in the parish of St. Rose of Lima in Newtown, CT, where he served as a lector at Mass and as an apostolic minister for many years. He prepared students for confirmation as an instructor in religious education. Joe was also a member of the parish counsel and led the daily rosary group for years.
Joe was married to Gloria Zenorini of Teaneck, NJ, for more than 65 years: “She has been my gentle, wise, heaven-sent source of strength and inspiration.” He is survived by his 11 children: Stephen Markey of Danbury, CT; Marilyn Markey of Newton, MA; Celia Markey Chadwick of Arlington, MA; Regina Markey, Esq. of Washington, DC; Paul Markey of New York, NY; Joseph Markey of White Plains, NY; Peter Markey of Newtown, CT; Kevin Markey of Charlotte, NC; Douglas Markey of Western Springs, IL; Laura Monroe of Charlottesville, VA; Rev. Greg Markey of Shelton, CT. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Tess, Cole, Marguerite, Grace, Jackson, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Ross, Abigail, Patrick, Alison, Thomas, Sean, Ryan, Greta, Eric, Henry, and Turner.
He was always very proud of his 11 children and the vocations they chose: Mental Health Counselor, Design Director, Musician and Educator, Pension Attorney, Computer Engineer and Musician, Banking Executive, Shop Steward for the Construction Industry, Packaging Engineer, Computer Engineer, Elder Care Administrator, Catholic Priest and College Professor.
The wake will be held at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home in Monroe, CT, on Sunday, July 22. Calling hours are from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with rosary and prayer at 4:30 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Newtown, CT.
