Joseph Edward Mooney Jr; Grandfather, Father, Husband, Sculptor, Friend, Writer, Artist, and Poet, 74, of Philadelphia passed away on July 27th, 2024 at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

He was born October 1st, 1949, to Joseph and Margaret Mooney in Philadelphia, PA.

He attended St. Thomas More High School. After serving in the US Navy, he received a BS from Villanova University in Business.

As soon as he understood he could spend his life making art, he followed the path of Sculpture with abandon, receiving a BFA from Penn State University, and an MFA from Alfred University. He worked relentlessly as a professional Sculptor and artist for the duration of his life.

He was an avid reader and poet, grounding his sculptural explorations in the written and spoken word. He embodied a fierce and abundant creative and philosophical spirit that permeated all facets of his life and the lives of all who met him.

Joe loved and was loved by many with a ferocious passion, exemplified by his enduring partnership with the love of his life, wife of 40 years, collaborator, and mother to his children, Diane Pepe.

Joe continually proved the resilience and force of his will. Through a stroke, a diagnosis and treatment of Leukemia, a remission and relapse, a bone marrow transplant and the subsequent emergence of several chronic and progressive conditions targeting his lungs, nervous system, eyes, and heart, he continued to work. Throughout the 20-year span of his medical journey, he declared his dedication to life and creation. He exhibited his new work in museums, galleries, universities, and permanent installations. He relentlessly filled the world with his art, his ideas, and his enduring hope.

With an insatiable curiosity and an understated but vibrant humor, Joe found tremendous joy throughout his life in conversations traversing the full range of human thought, philosophy, and emotions. Recently he could be found telling stories to any who would listen to the accomplishments of his sons and the latest toddling and linguistic advancements of his 15-month-old grandson.

He is survived by his loving wife Diane Pepe, his two sons, Michael and Brian Pepe-Mooney, his daughter-in-law Silvia Pepe-Mooney, and his grandson Aidan Pepe-Mooney.

There will be a Celebration of Joe’s life and work at Rosemont College on August 24th, 3-6pm.

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