Joseph Edmund Minihan, Jr., 64, Special Education Teacher

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HOLLISTON – Joseph Edmund Minihan, Jr., 64, of Falmouth and a former longtime resident of Holliston, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2023, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. 

He was born in Boston, son of the late Agnes (Page) and Joseph E. Minihan, Sr. He was the husband of 41 years of Andrea (King) Minihan of Falmouth.

Joe grew up in West Roxbury, the youngest of five siblings, always happy to be among many childhood friends and family. He was a natural born leader, whether it was captaining sports teams, serving as a Boy Scout patrol leader, or coaching, which he began at a very young age. 

He was a talented athlete who achieved success as a member of the basketball teams at Boston Latin School and Babson College, where he still holds the record for field goal percentage.  When asked recently what his preferred basketball jersey number was as a player, he said he didn’t have a special number; he was just happy to have the opportunity to play.

Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Babson but what he valued most were the many lifelong friendships he established there. When he had a stroke in his late twenties and was limited in his ability to play sports, he leaned into coaching at various levels on the youth basketball scene where he loved nothing more than to experience the joy of playing through the eyes of someone else, and to find a way to mentor and instruct with his gift for teaching.

Joe found his true passion when he earned a master’s degree in Education and began a second career as a Special Education Inclusion Teacher. Teaching allowed Joe to share his love of learning and reading and to help children obtain what they needed to succeed. He was a proud retiree of the Framingham Public School system.

Joe woke up every morning determined to have his best day ever, despite whatever obstacles he might face, and was a master of perseverance, grit and determination. Joe loved to laugh and more importantly to make those around him laugh. He was the king of the Dad joke and could make a sarcastic comment, without skipping a beat, that would make you laugh until your stomach hurt. Joe was as selfless in death as he was in life as his final wishes were centered on the comfort and happiness of his wife and daughters. He will be remembered as being a loyal friend, a gifted teacher and coach, a devoted husband, a beloved Pops, the ‘fun Uncle’ and the ultimate ‘Girl Dad.’

Besides his wife Andrea, Joe is survived by his daughters, Page Buldini and husband Jeff, Medford, MA; Erin Anthony and husband Eric, Louisville, KY; and Julia Knowles and husband Michael, Simsbury, CT; his grandchildren, Kate Buldini, Easton Anthony, and Kieran and Brooke Knowles; and his siblings, Paula, Stephen (Ginny), Gerald (Betsey) and Bob (Maggie) Minihan.  Joe also leaves behind his faithful dog, Willie, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, February 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 7 at 11 am at Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massachusetts Teachers Association non-profit: The Massachusetts Child which supports educators assisting students facing financial hardships.

Donations can be accepted via the MTA’s Venmo account: @MTA-Donations (Please write “Mass Child-Joe Minihan” in the “What’s it for” box) Checks can be sent to: The Massachusetts Child In Honor of Joe Minihan MTA Division of Communications 2 Heritage Dr, 8th floor Quincy MA 02171.

The family would like to thank the incredible nurses of Oncology floor 5A at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for the care provided to Joe and his family in his final days.

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