Joe McNamara Jr.

Joseph Gage McNamara Jr. passed away on November 9th, 2024, at the age of 65. He was born on May 11th, 1959, in Duluth, MN. Joe, or Joey, as he was lovingly referred to by close friends and family, worked happily in construction as a concrete finisher in Duluth prior to suffering a double brain aneurysm on his 36th birthday.

Joe had a quick wit and tremendous sense of humor. If you joked with Joe, you had a friend for life. Joe was compassionate, non-judgmental, and possessed a unique quality and zest for life. His early years were defined by his daredevil tendencies and his later years by acceptance and unwavering perseverance. He was easy to love, and he cherished his extended family, a unique make up of family, lifelong friends, weekly coffee group members, and dedicated care givers. If you were fortunate to cross paths with Joe, you were the better for it. If you took the time to know him, you were blessed for life. 

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Kathleen “Tassie” McNamara; and brother-in-law, Mark Shape. 

He is survived by his daughter, Nicolle; siblings, Kathy, Mary, Pat (Debbie), and Joanie (Bill); many cousins, nieces, nephews, and former foster children.

The family would like to thank the dedicated workers at Peace of Mind, Essentia Home Hospice, and Solvay Hospice House for their compassionate care. A special thank you to his childhood friend, Vonnie Haugen, for her selfless dedication to Joe. 

In his spirit, live by these words, “a kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”

Visitation will be held at 10 am on Friday, November 15th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (151 Linden Ave, Duluth, MN 55806) followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. 

Livestream for the Mass of Christian Burial can be found at https://www.facebook.com/dfhduluth Video will start approximately 5 minutes prior to start of service.

Funeral arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.