Joseph Mulcahy

Mulcahy, Joseph P.
Age 85, resident of Augustana Apartments, Minnesota, and previous resident of the Powderhorn Park neighborhood for 47 years, passed peacefully at his home on February 16, 2019. Joe was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA and was a graduate of Saint Leo's High School in Ashley, PA. He went on to Kings College, Cum Laude, in Wilkes-Barre, PA and received a graduate fellowship (teaching assistant) at the University of Minnesota in German Language Studies. He was also versed in Latin, Spanish and French and had a love of poetry and literature in all of these languages. It was here that Joe and wife, Rosella, started their journey to Minnesota where they remained for 60 years. They both came from a small coal mining region in Pennsylvania, surrounded by mountains and valleys, to the rolling plains of Minnesota. Joe had a friendly personality, a positive attitude and was quick to compliment people on their achievements, he was well liked by all and loved living at the Augustana Apartments where he enjoyed the company of the many residents. He loved to participate in the activities with wife Rosella; playing bingo, seeing films and talking to everyone they would meet together. Joe also enjoyed an occasional opera, playing scrabble with Rosella, collecting newspaper cartoons and coins, and telling a joke. He had a good sense of humor. He rarely missed his favorite nightly newscaster, David Miur. Joe was also part of the South Side singers for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was the first Minister of Communion 47 years ago with a special ceremony held on his behalf with Holy Name Church under the direction of Father Peichal; Joe was strong in his faith and remained a long-time member of Holy Name Church. Joe conversed nightly with son, Paul, in Texas with inspiration and humor; he shared many readings and jokes with daughter, Colleen, and conversations about world languages with daughter, Donna. He always encouraged and inspired his children to do great things in life. He also looked forward to becoming a Great-Grandfather; he loved his family! Joe was employed at the Ford Motor Company in New York, Catskill Mountain Resort before attending college, Minneapolis Moline and Electric Machinery. He also had good memories working at the famous Charlies and Harrys Cafes in Minneapolis as a wait staff many years ago. Joe is survived by loving wife, Rosella (LaFratte) of 60 years; daughter, Donna (Steve) Kelly, son, Paul, of Texas, daughter, Colleen, of Saint Paul; granddaughters, Sienna (Alex) Barbeau- Batoff, of Philadelphia PA, Fiona and Maeve; brother, Leonard (Maureen) of Wyoming Pennsylvania, sister, Mary Schubert, of Wheeling WV, sister, Catherine Altavilla, of Rumson NJ, sister-in-law, Rosemary Mulcahy, of Mountaintop, PA;and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Julia Mulcahy, of Ashley PA; son, Sean (surv. By Anita Gonzalez, loving partner); brothers, Paul, Bernard and James Mulcahy. Joe had suffered from a disability due to osteoporosis and battled a short period of cancer. We are grateful to HCMC, Abbot Northwestern doctors and staff, the Augustana Rehabilitation and Redeemer Care Center staff and to his physician, Dr. Armstrong for all of the years of care, encouragement and support for Joe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the CHURCH OF THE HOLY NAME, 3711 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, at 11:00 am, visitation at 10:00 am, lunch to follow immediately after the Mass. Interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Church of Holy Name, Saint Stephan's Human Services, 2309 Nicollet Avenue South Minneapolis, MN. 55404 or donor's choice.