Joseph W. McCloskey, of Evanston, IL, and Philadelphia, PA, died peacefully at his home in Evanston on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the age of 100-plus. He led a wonderful life, marked by dedication to high ideals and a delight in new experiences. He had been the last living crew member in the 23rd Squadron of the 5th bomb group, which carried out 46 missions during World War II. After that service, he taught English literature and composition in two highly regarded high schools, Central High in Philadelphia and New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL, where his love of life, his quick wit and humor, his capacity to tell dramatic, true stories to engender better understanding of the literature studied and yet to teach the highest standards of written English earned him “Superstar” status among his students. His expertise also earned him a seat on the initial Advanced Placement Committee in the early 1960s. His profound insight into and sympathy for teenagers resulted in their staying in touch with him even 60 to 70 years after they left high school. Never one to shirk adventure, Joe spent a year as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher in England, and many years thereafter, enjoyed another traveling around the world as one of only four passengers on a freighter ship. After retirement, he enjoyed a rich family life and nurtured many friendships, even from afar.

Joe is survived by his niece Janice (Al) Black Ciarabellini, nephew Christopher (Wendy) Black, his cousins Anne Marie (Richard) Vavra, Bunny (Tom) Weber, Jack (Herb) Brunner, Ted (Marie) Brunner, and several great great nieces and nephews as well as younger cousins. Joe was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary McCloskey, his brother John, his sisters Claire M. McDonald, Louise McCloskey, and Dorothy M. Black, and two great nephews, Jamie Black and Christopher Black, Jr.

Visitation, Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. Funeral, Friday, June 24, at 10:15 a.m., from the funeral home, for Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter Church of Ss. Peter & Lambert Catholic Parish, 8100 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.

Additional services and interment will take place in Philadelphia at a later date.

Funeral info:  847.673.6111.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Joseph W. McCloskey, please visit our Tribute Store.