Joseph Patrick Meloy (Joe) passed away on September 7th, 2025.

Born in 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Dr. George Edward and Marguerite Josephine Cassel Meloy, Joe was the youngest of three children. 

He attended Marquette University High School (1968) and graduated from UW-Madison with an MA in Counseling and Guidance in 1974. Upon graduation, he dedicated his life to coaching and mentorship, his friends and family, and his community. In 1975, Joe embarked on his professional journey building mental health services at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) into a respected and essential department where he worked for more than 40 years until he retired. In addition to his work as the Director of Counseling Services, he created and led MSOE’s golf program as coach for 46 years. In 1998, Joe was inducted into the MSOE Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition to MSOE, Joe worked as a facilitator with the Paranet Group developing relationships across manufacturing companies. 

If you knew Joe, you know he loved to golf, but he liked to coach even more. If anyone asked, he would make himself available to give a golf lesson. He wanted to be part of the game - wherever that led him. He coached his children’s elementary school basketball teams, competed for a decade in the American Birkebeiner, and held almost daily cribbage competitions at his house in retirement.. He was a beloved mentor to his children, students, and friends who appreciated his humor, blunt guidance, and affection. He had a profound influence on all who knew him. 

A cornerstone to Joe’s approach to life was the importance of community. He came alive in his connections to others. He was proud to be a good neighbor - always welcoming friends into his home and assuming the same welcome was extended in return, with or without an invitation. He was an active member of various organizations - dedicated to creating spaces where people could have fun and contribute in their own ways. 

Always the life of a party, Joe never met a stranger, making life-long friends and sharing laughs and jokes wherever he went. He understood the value of a good story to connect and inspire others and to keep memories alive. He is survived by his loving wife, Kate, of 47 years; his devoted children Patrick (Heather), Maggie (Pat), Madeline, and Danny (Dan); his beautiful grandchildren Nora, Eden, and Lucy; his brother, Michael; and nieces and nephews.  All of whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, his mother, and his sister, Mary. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 9am until time of eulogies at 10:45am. Liturgy of the Word to follow at 11am at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church (734 Glenview Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213). 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to Alzheimer's Association of Wisconsin or the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary.