Joseph J. Dochney

Joe was a graduate of Jackson High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. In 1981, he established his private law practice, where he practiced with dedication and integrity throughout his career.

A true patron of the arts, Joe loved visiting museums, attending theater and Broadway productions, listening to music, reading, and traveling the world. Above all else, he cherished time spent with his family—especially attending his children’s and later his grandchildren’s events, which brought him immense joy.

Joe is survived by his siblings, Helen (Jodie) Lepine, James Dochney, and Robert Dochney; the mothers of his children, Donna Dochney, and his work and life partner, his rock, Dorothy Cooper; and his children: James Dochney and his wife Stephanie; Christopher Dochney and his wife Marley Bice; Brendan Dochney and his wife Elizabeth; Sean Dochney; Matthew Dochney; Gina Carter and her husband Greg; and Robert Smith. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Abbey Rae Dochney, Dylan Dochney, Colby Dochney, Isabelle Dochney, Logan Carter, Brady Carter, Jaxen Carter, Lilly Carter, and Kyle Simpson. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Joe was deeply family-oriented—his family truly meant the world to him. He was generous, humble, witty, cultured, kind, consistent, and nonjudgmental. He will be remembered for his easy going temperament, his quick sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh. Joe was always the first to lend a helping hand and frequently offered his legal services pro bono. He was actively involved in youth sports, coaching his sons’ teams, and found his greatest happiness in being present and involved in the lives of his grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home in Toms River, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Ocean County Library or the Count Basie Center for the Arts.

https://theoceancountylibrary.org/support-us/donate

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Joe was beloved by many and will be deeply and forever missed.