Joseph P. Hennigan, loving father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and friend died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

He was predeceased by his best friend and beloved wife of 56 years, Carol A. (Angell) Hennigan on February 1, 2016. Joseph is survived by two daughters, Katherine A. Hennigan of Healy, Alaska, Sharon M. Hennigan of Worcester; two sons, Michael J. Hennigan and his wife Dr. Alexandra Schultes of Fitchburg and Steven P. Hennigan and his wife Michelle of Charlton; five grandchildren, Joseph, Kate, Sean, Ryan, and Sara Hennigan and several nephews and nieces.

Joseph was born in Worcester, son of Joseph F. and Florence (Crowley) Hennigan and was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Keenan and Ann Fahey. He was a graduate of Commerce High School, Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State College where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1957.

He was a member of the Worcester Fire Department for 37 years, retiring as Captain in 1998. He worked at several stations during his career before becoming the director of training for the department. He later headed up the Fire Prevention Bureau and served as lead fire investigator. Over the years, he taught Fire Science courses at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Anna Marie College in Paxton, and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stowe. He was a Licensed Private Detective and after his retirement from public service, he served as a Fire Investigator for several Massachusetts insurance companies.

Joseph was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, the Greendale Men’s Retirement Club, Alhambra Council of Knight’s of Columbus, Worcester Retired Police and Fire Association, and the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Visiting hours to celebrate Joseph’s life will be held at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street from 4:00 until 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 2nd. His funeral will be held on Friday, January 3rd from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street and burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church.