Joseph H. Davey, Jr., age 88, of Derry, NH, passed away Friday, Feb. 26, at his home.
He was born in Killyleigh, County Down, Ireland. He grew up and was educated in Andover, MA. He was a resident of Derry, NH for the past 47 years and was formerly a resident of Lawrence, MA.
Mr. Davey was a retired firefighter for the City of Lawrence, where he was assigned to Engine 8 on Tower Hill. He was a WW II US Army veteran. He was in the 8th Infantry, Division and stormed Normandy at Omaha Beach, and pressed on to the village of St. Lo, where he was critically wounded. He reenlisted for a second tour of duty which brought him to the Battle of the Bulge, where he was severely wounded again. He was awarded 4 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Unit Badge. He was one of seven sons of Joseph & Margaret Davey. All seven brothers proudly served in the military during WW II. Their proud mother, Margaret Davey, was a Gold Star Mother.
Mr. Davey was a member of the D.A.V. and a member of St. Matthew's Church, in Windham, NH. He was formerly a member of St. Augustine's Church, In Lawrence, where he was also a member of the Holy Name Society. He enjoyed his lake house on Island Pond and boating. He was an avid sports fan and a talented sports contest predictor, winning many of the "Beat Burt" contests sponsored by the Lawrence Eagle Tribune. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and very fond of Irish music. He was a wonderful storyteller. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn J. (Vogel) Davey.
He is survived by his 2 sons, Joseph C. Davey and his wife, Karen of Atkinson, NH, and Dennis M. Davey and his wife, Kathy of Wolfeboro, NH, his brother, Vincent P. Davey and his wife Helen of Andover, MA, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 5, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew's Church, Windham, NH. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the D.A.V. at dav.org
