Obituary of Joseph M. Pohanish, Jr.

Joseph M. Pohanish, Jr. of Woodbury, NJ passed away on Friday, October 7th with his loving mother by his side.

Joey is survived by his loving Mom, Mary (nee Delaney) Babitz and predeceased by his father, Joseph Pohanish, Sr. and stepfather, Marcel Babitz.

Joey was born on February 14, 1967 and has been a part of The Arc Gloucester family since January 2003, when he moved into the Drexel House Group Home. Throughout the years, Joey enjoyed playing basketball, horseback riding, attending Life Long Learning and bowling with the Sparcs league. Every outing with his group home manager, Della Eli and staff was the best day ever for him! He couldn't wait to see the newest movies in the theater and watch the Eagles and Phillies play. Our "loveable guy" (as he called himself) truly enjoyed life and never let anyone forget he was retired! 

Joseph was a beloved participant at our Woodbury Achievement Center where he loved all things music! Joey would walk around the center playing his air drums and guitar, while naming every song and singer. He loved to learn and enjoyed engaging in activity packets and flash cards with staff. BINGO and Spanish class brought him so much joy, and he was pretty great at both! He would never miss a day program party, especially for his two favorite holidays - Halloween and Christmas! And of course, the countdown to his next birthday would start the day after his birthday! 

Joey was also a participant in our Crew Labor program for many years where he worked with his peers to complete yard work, lot jobs, and indoor cleaning. He loved his Crew Labor staff and really excelled in the program. He spent many summers at the campgrounds of Camp Sun 'N Fun where he enjoyed swimming, bonfires and performing skits that radiated happiness to his peers and counselors!  

In March 2011, Joey received The Arc Gloucester Dave Ravel Memorial Award, which recognized an individual participating in an Arc Gloucester program who has accomplished a personal goal and achieved success in the face of difficulties through hard work and perseverance! 

It is no surprise Joey was born on Valentine's Day! His heart was filled with so much love, his smile full of warmth, and his presence made everyone's day that much better! Our "love bug" Joey will truly be missed by all. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Joey’s viewing on Friday, October 14, 2022, 9:00 – 10:00 AM at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ  08096, where the Funeral Ceremony will follow at 10:00 AM.  Graveside Services and Interment will take place on Friday 1:30 PM at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 52 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ  07512.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's name may be made to The Arc Gloucester, 1555 Gateway Blvd. West Deptford, NJ 08096.