Joseph A. Hannay Jr.

May 26, 1970 - December 30, 2021

Joseph A. Hannay, Jr. was born on May 26, 1970 and passed away peacefully in his home on December 30, 2021. After high school, Joseph proudly served the Essex County Sheriff's Department in New Jersey as a corrections officer before joining the New York City Police Department where he served over twenty years as an officer, retiring after a decorated career of service to the City of New York. Joseph’s work with the NYPD began with patrolling the mass transit system as a member of the Transit Police and later, after the Transit Police merged with the NYPD, worked in a variety of patrol capacities where he was responsible for closing several high profile criminal cases. He was a first responder on September 11, 2001 and worked tirelessly in the recovery efforts. He stayed on sight and worked for days after the attack. His work with the Law Enforcement Explorer program in both New York City and throughout New Jersey was his passion. He enjoyed passing on his knowledge of policing with future generations of officers through hands-on practical experience and community service activities. In the few retirement years he was able to enjoy, he worked as an entrepreneur who supported local municipalities and small businesses in New Jersey with website design and hosting, media production, and technical support. A self-proclaimed good cook and avid online gamer, Joseph was always the life of a party. He never drank alcohol but claimed to make the best sangria and limoncello. He leaves behind family, too many friends to name, lots of untouched homemade alcohol, and a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia which he loved to find anywhere he traveled. Joe, it was an honor and privilege for us to have shared the years we had together. We wish there could be more. Until then…