Retired Boston Firefighter
Joseph W. “Joe” Anthony, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He was 89 years of age.
Joe was born in Boston on October 16, 1936, a son of the late Joseph A. Anthony and Sarah E. (Butchart) Anthony. He grew up in Charlestown where he attended St. Catherine’s Parochial School and graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1954, where he was the captain and a standout player for the hockey team.
Joe enlisted into the United States Army on October 5, 1954, and served his country with pride during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on September 19, 1957, with the rank of Private First Class. Joe was a retired member of the Boston Firefighters Union Local #718, where he was affectionately known in the firehouse as “The Major.” He was appointed to Engine 26 in 1962, when he remained throughout his career until a few years prior to his retirement in 1991, retired from Engine 32.
Joe made many fond memories growing up in Charlestown, where he enjoyed swimming at The Boys Club as a young boy and lifeguarding at the Bunker Hill Pool and the YMCA. His love of swimming lasted into his adult years, when he enjoyed traveling to Revere Beach and could be found hanging out on The Wall. Joe loved good music and a nice cigar, but above all else he loved his grandchildren and was devoted to his family. He was a member of the Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association and the Halligan Club.
The beloved husband of the late Winifred E. “Winnie” (Benoit) Anthony, Joe was the devoted father of Denise Buckley and her husband, Rob, Michael Anthony and his wife, Michelle, the Honorable Paul Anthony and his wife, Laurel, and Lynn Kennard and her husband, Michael; the loving Grandpa/Papa/Papa Joe of Sean, Joseph, Shealyn and her husband, Tim, Alice, Alana, Mairi, Aiden, Michael and his great-granddaughters, Lorraine and Ruairi. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan “Mickey” Devine. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Relatives and friends attended Joe’s Funeral on Friday morning, August 7, 2026, at The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown . His burial took place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Joe’s name to:
Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation
55 Hallet St., Dorchester, MA 02124
https://bostonfirefightersburnfoundation.com/
Consider a donation, as requested by the family.