Joseph F. McCool

Joseph Francis McCool, 81, born on September 12, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in the faith of the Christian tradition, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Danvers, Massachusetts, from complications of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Joe was a longtime resident of Danvers, Massachusetts, and a man whose life was marked by steadfast devotion to his family, his work, his friends, and the many animals he cared for with patience and love.

Joe was the beloved husband of MaryAnn McCool and the son of Joseph Thomas McCool and Anna Elizabeth (Hewson) McCool of Woburn, Massachusetts. He was a devoted father of three children and a proud grandfather, and he leaves behind a family who will cherish his memory with gratitude and affection. He is survived by his son Joseph Daniel McCool and his wife, Kristin McCool, and their children, Lindsay, Erin, Matthew, and Sean, all of Amherst, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his son Attorney David Francis McCool of Nahant, Massachusetts and Naples, Florida, and by Ginger Kennedy of Richmond, Virginia. He is further survived by his daughter, Lorna K. (McCool) Gillespie and her husband, Craig Gillespie, and their children, Madeline and Drew, of Methuen, Massachusetts. Joe was predeceased by his beloved grandson, Aidan Kennedy McCool, and by his former spouse, Mary Ellen (Sullivan) McCool. Joe is also survived by MaryAnn’s daughter, Nancy, and her husband, Bob, of Danvers, Massachusetts.

He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, MaryLou Martin and her husband, Robert Martin, of Woburn, Massachusetts, Cathy Marvin and her husband, Charles, of Florida, and Trudy Iwanski and her husband, Chet, of Connecticut, and his brother, Thomas McCool of Vermont. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who knew his kindness and enjoyed his presence. He was predeceased by his brothers Richard McCool and Patrick McCool, whom he now joins in eternal rest.

Joe spent many years working as an 18-wheel truck driver and driver trainer, first for the Eagle Can Company in Peabody, Massachusetts, and later for the Milton Can Company Inc. After his retirement from those companies, he continued to share his gifts by working as a driver and trainer for Ryder System, Inc. He was honored by Ryder at a special recognition dinner and ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum at Columbia Point in Dorchester, Massachusetts, where he was recognized for having driven 18-wheel trucks nearly two million miles over the road without a single speeding ticket, violation, or motor-vehicle accident. He was also honored for the care he took in training new drivers, always emphasizing the safe operation of an 18-wheeler and the responsibility that came with life on the road and the care and concern of other motorists.

Over the course of many years, Joe trained and befriended many truck drivers throughout the Northeastern United States. He became known to fellow drivers through his CB radio handle, “The Happy Trucker,” a name that reflected his good humor, his generous spirit, and his ability to encourage others amid long and challenging trucking hauls. He was quick to lend a hand, offer guidance, and share a well-timed laugh. In a demanding profession, he was a source of steadiness and fellowship, and many who crossed paths with him were better for it.

When he was not behind the wheel, Joe found joy and peace among horses. From his early years in the Boston area, he developed a deep respect for these animals and formed lasting bonds with them, their owners, and the wider community of horse lovers. He especially treasured his long and special friendship with a horse named Shadow, whom he cared for faithfully for many years on the North Shore. Joe was known lovingly to family and friends for wearing a cowboy hat, western style belt buckle and cowboy boots that so often reflected his love of horses and open trails. One of his fondest memories was of a memorable cattle drive in the American West with son David.

His love for animals also extended beyond horses, and he also cared deeply for dogs, parakeets, and other creatures that came to know his gentle attention. In recent years, he was especially fond of parakeets Skippy and most recently Bella, who in their own way returned the comfort and companionship he so freely gave. Joe made many friends in recent years in and around Danvers, and always welcomed his time sharing breakfast with them, visiting and otherwise enjoying good times and fond memories even in times of failing health.

Joe’s life was one of faith, loyalty, hard work, and quiet devotion. He lived as a Christian man who understood the value of service, humility, and love of neighbor. Those who knew him will remember his strong work ethic, his warm smile, his easy conversation, and his deep care for the people and animals entrusted to him. Joe was a man who carried himself with dignity and who left a lasting impression through his actions more than his words.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the promise of eternal life and in the hope of reunion through Christ. May he rest in the peace of the Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Visitation on Friday from 10-11am and a graveside service to follow at 11:45. see below

Memorial Donations may be made in Joe’s name to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923 and 888-283-1722, and/or to New England Equine Rescue North, Inc. 52 Ash St, West Newbury, MA 01985 which can also be reached at (978) 510-1031. see below

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