Joseph C. "Joe" Meagher

Joseph C. “Joe” Meagher, age 80, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Joliet on November 25, 1945 to Joseph A. and Eleanor M. (Matesevac) Meagher. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1963 and proudly served as a Vietnam-era veteran, retiring from the Navy Reserves in 1988.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy was his family. He shared 55 loving years of marriage with his wife, Dorothy J. Meagher (Leslie). Joe had a passion for classic cars, especially his cherished 1969 Chevelle, which he proudly drove to local cruise nights. He also enjoyed researching family ancestry and was known for his kindness, friendliness, and willingness to help others.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister Mary C. Wahlman; father-in-law Lawrence T. Leslie; mother-in-law Dorothy L. Leslie (Bozich); brother-in-law George Leslie; sister-in-law Colleen Meagher; and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughter Dorothy K. Sanborn (Scott); son Joseph L. Meagher (Laura); grandchildren Libby, Maggie, and Colin Meagher, and Casey, Caden, and Kiley Sanborn; brother Joel Meagher; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Lawrence Leslie (Bonnie), James Leslie (Judy), Richard Leslie, and John Wahlman.

A celebration of Joseph’s life will begin with visitation on Monday, December 22, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with funeral mass beginning at 11:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2500 S Arbeiter Rd, Joliet, IL. with burial to follow at Plainfield Township Cemetery, 15502 Joliet Rd, Plainfield, IL.

Joe’s legacy of love, service, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.