Joseph A. Tobin, Jr., CSM (Ret.)

Joseph Anthony Tobin, Jr. CSM (Ret.), age 82, lifelong resident of Philadelphia, died on July 31, 2025.

Joe was born on November 27, 1942, to the late Joseph Anthony Tobin and Anne Marie (nee Devenny). Joe is survived by Elaine Mary (nee Borek), his devoted wife of 58 years, their three loving children Kathleen (Brian), Joseph III (Colleen) and Patrick (Christine), his brother James (Marylee) along with his precious grandchildren Kelsey, Kevin, Bridget, Julia, Caitlin and his best furry friend, Maggie.

Joe was raised in Schuylkill and was a graduate of Bishop Neumann High School.  While attending St. Joseph’s College (now St. Joseph’s University), Joe met Elaine and they were married in 1967.  Joe graduated later that year with a degree in Political Science.  Shortly after, Joe started basic training at Fort Campbell in Kentucky and then attended Artillery School at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.  After completing training, Joe served his country honorably, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major with over 30 years in the US Army Reserves.  Joe began his career in the Probation Department with the City of Philadelphia in 1973.  While working for the city, he earned his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Villanova University.  After a long and successful career as a supervisor, Joe retired in 2002.

Joe always enjoyed sports and played on the St Joe’s College varsity soccer team.  When his sons were young, he coached both soccer and baseball.  His favorite soccer team was Celtic, F.C. and always enjoyed a good Manchester United game as well. Joe was passionate about his genealogy research, proud of his Irish heritage and was active in the Irish community in the Philadelphia area.

In the late 1970’s, Joe decided he wanted to learn how to play the bagpipes.  He joined the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band at the Commodore John Barry Irish Center, later teaching many new members to play and eventually serving as the Band’s Pipe Major for many years.  For a time, Joe was also an active volunteer for the Barron Hill Fire Department. Joe enjoyed spending lazy days fishing in Cape May, especially when accompanied by his children and grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Thursday August 7, 2025, from 9:30 am - 10:45 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, located at 819 E. Cathedral Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19128.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin promptly at 11:00 am.

Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery at 235 Matsonford Road West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Joe’s memory. 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105