Joseph A. Giffear

Joseph A. Giffear, affectionately known as “Joe” to his family and friends, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 13, 1943, to the late Howard and Anna (nee Lafferty) Giffear, Joe was a proud lifelong 2-Streeter and resident of Whitman. He was also a very proud Teamster and longtime member of Local 470.

Joe was a simple man who enjoyed the things that made life special. He loved spending time with his family, working on seek & find books, buying scratch-offs, feeding the birds and stray cats, going fishing, and taking trips to Atlantic City and the casinos.

Joe enjoyed the Mummers Parade and was a past member of the Jokers New Year’s Club. Joe was also a longtime member of the John J. O’Malley Men’s Club, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships that meant so much to him.

Joe will be remembered for his strong sense of humor and quick, witty comebacks. He had a way of making people laugh and never needed to say too much to get his point across. Beneath his humor was a loving and caring man who treasured his family, especially his grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride and joy.

Joe was the beloved husband of 61 years to Dorothy (nee Bramley) Giffear. Loving father of Karen (Thomas King, Sr.) Giffear, Cheryl (Niki) Sywkiw, and Nicole (Michael) Palestino.

Proud and devoted Pop-Pop of Thomas Jr.(Ninamari), Christina (Kim), Anthony and Alex King, Madden and Cameron Palestino, and Olivia Sywkiw. Great-grandfather of Josephine, Valentina, and James King. Joe was also the loving Fur-Pop of his beloved dog, Mugsy.

Dear brother of William “Yi” (late Harriet) Giffear, Annmarie (late Carmen) Nasuti, and the late Howard Giffear and Daniel Giffear. He is also survived by Daniel’s wife, Janet.

Joe will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 9:00-11:30Am at the Murphy Ruffenach Brian W Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Sts. A Celebration and Remembrance of his Life will follow and burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Joe’s name to either:

The Katie Kirlin Fund
229 Wolf Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148

or

Philly Rescue Angels, Inc.
P.O.Box 5299
Philadelphia, PA 19064