Joseph J. Federico, 82, of New Port Richey, FL, passed away on August 5, 2018 at his home after a long illness.
He was born in Paterson, NJ, on May 17, 1936, son of the late Philip and Hilda Federico. He is survived by his three children, Joseph W. Federico (Nancy), Scott Federico (Regina) and Lisa Porath (Mark) and six grandchildren, Kevin and Reece Porath (Tarra), Melissa and Alicia Federico, and Corinne and Danielle Federico. He was predeceased by his significant other, Ann Mikell.
Joe graduated from Paterson Central HS in 1954, where he was an All-State Football player. He then attended Muhlenberg College on a football scholarship and graduated in 1958. After graduating, Joe worked at Muhlenberg until 1964 as a football and baseball coach and then as an Associate Director of Admissions until 1970. In 1970, Joe became a Professor of Psychology and Director of Admissions & Dean of Students at Lehigh County Community College. Joe completed his Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology in 1972. In 1974, he was awarded the Outstanding Educator of America award.
In 1976, Joe relocated to the Tampa Bay area with his wife, Dolores and his 3 children, where he owned and operated the Parkview Child Development Center. An accomplished psychologist, Joe went on to hold various clinical and administrative positions at Operation PAR drug addiction treatment center, including Senior Vice President for Clinical Services. In 1985, Joe entered private practice as a counselor with Clearwater Psychiatric Associates. He joined Bay Care Mental Health Services in 1996 as Executive Vice President of Clinical Services. Throughout the years, Joe was also an adjunct professor of psychology at St. Leo College, Nova University and St. Petersburg Junior College. He retired in 2005 from Pasco Hernando Community College as a Professor and Coordinator of Human Services. In his retirement, he continued to serve as President of the Board of The Red Apple Adult Training Center.
Throughout his life, Joe was an avid golfer and football fan. He coached both of his boys in baseball and football and helped fuel their interests in sports with frequent attendance at Philadelphia Phillies spring training games and Tampa Bay Buccaneers football games. His daughter followed in his footsteps into the field of Human Services and even took a couple college courses that he taught! In addition to Joe’s career accomplishments and recreational pastimes, he was perhaps known best for his unconditional love, warm smile, easy-going temperament, witty sense of humor, simple kindness and thoughtful generosity. His great affection for and commitment to his family and friends has left a legacy that will undoubtedly continue on through those who knew and loved him best.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Dobies Funeral Home, 8825 Old County Rd 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joseph J. Federico to HPH Hospice at https://lifepathhospice.chaptershealth.org/HPHGeneralDonation