Joseph Clyde Cox

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph Clyde Cox (“Joe”), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life on May 6, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on October 28, 1939 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to William and Fannie (Gardner) Cox.

After marrying the love of his life, Pamela Mattie (“Penny”), Joe settled in Middleboro, Mass., where they together raised three sons, Christopher, Joseph and Andrew. While he learned to love New England, he missed and regularly visited his original home and family in North Carolina.

Joe had met Penny while he was serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era, which allowed him to see much of the world. After completing his military service, Joe earned a Bachelor’s degree in business from Bridgewater State University and a Master’s degree in management from Lesley College in his 40s.

Joe made his mark in quality control senior leadership roles at Honeywell and Data General during the height of the computer revolution. His final job was with Comverse where he lived in Israel for several years. He enjoyed classical and country music, with a particular fondness for Pink Floyd. He loved reading and watching science fiction and was a member of a bowling team.

Joe was an active grandfather, from storytelling and movie nights, attending school and sports events, nature walks, fishing and bowling with his five grandchildren for the past 25-plus years. He enjoyed walking his dog Champ and lifting weights and wheel-ups, watching Brit Box and doing Soduku.

Joe is predeceased by his beloved wife, Pamela Cox. He is survived by his three sons, Christopher Cox and his wife Elizabeth of North Easton, MA; Joseph Cox and his partner Cassandra Sutter of West Hatfield, MA; and Andrew Cox of Granby, MA; as well as his grandchildren, Samuel, Sophia, Claudia, Dexter, and Django. He also leaves behind siblings Patty Bryan of Alabama, Fannie Lee Walston of North Carolina, and Edward Cox of North Carolina. He is predeceased by siblings, Donald, Eugene, Kirby, Rebecca, Roy, David, Earl and Jesse.

A calling hour will be held on Thursday, May 15th from 4:00pm-5:00pm followed by words of remembrance and military honors at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Joseph’s family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.