Joseph Tolly

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 12, 2010

SUFFOLK — Joseph V. Tolly, 71, died at home on Sunday, May 9, 2010 after a long, brave battle with cancer. A recent Suffolk resident, Joe was a proud 1956 Newport News Typhoon and longtime Newport News resident. He was the son of the late Elsie M. Kennedy and Lester Kennedy, of Newport News, and the late Joseph P. Tolly of Toms River, N.J.
He was past president and active member of the Original Club for more than 25 years. Along with Original Club friends, Joe participated in ACS Relay for Life and other charitable events for many years. He was also an active member of the Braxton Perkins Post 25 American Legion.
He is survived by his devoted wife and caretaker, Margaret E. Tolly; daughters, Lisa T. Shearin (Graham), of Windsor, and Julia C. Tolly, of Virginia Beach. He was a proud “Papa” to grandchildren, Emma Kaye and Alex Shearin, of Windsor; and brother to Shirley Gunnels (Terry), of Newport News, and Jack Kennedy, of New Jersey. He is also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 15 at Peninsula Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Family visitation at the Shearin home will follow the service.
A special thank you to all of those who cared for him at EVMS Department of Otolaryngology, Dr. Dean McGaughey and chemotherapy nurse, Marie Franklin, of Virginia Oncology, Dr. Martha Mooney, Ms. Ann Cyptar, Speech-Language Pathologist and the dedicated, caring staff of Sentara Hospice Group.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Suite A 102, Newport News, VA 23606 would be appreciated.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.