A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Joseph “Joe” Hadfield passed peacefully on October 8th, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. Born in 1941 in Roxborough, Pennsylvania, Joe filled his life with family, faith, friendship, laughter, and adventure. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and was happiest when those he loved were gathered close.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Joe’s life at 10 AM on October 13, 2026, at The Catholic Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette St, Port Orange, FL 32127.

Joe met the love of his life, Carolyn “Carol” Gartner, when he was just 15 years old, and they married in 1962. Their life together became the heart of his story—one filled with devotion, laughter, travel, and treasured moments shared with the family they built.

A graduate of Ursinus College, Joe built a career as an engineer with Ford Motor Company that lasted more than 30 years. He brought the same steadiness and dedication to his work that he brought to his family. The Hadfields made their home in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and in retirement Joe enjoyed the best of both worlds, dividing his time between Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

Joe’s Catholic faith was a constant throughout his life. He belonged to St. Helena Church in Blue Bell, St. Eleanor Church in Collegeville, and The Catholic Church of the Epiphany in Port Orange. He lived that faith quietly and generously, always willing to show up, lend a hand, or help a friend or neighbor who needed him.

Joe loved making memories with the people closest to him. His travels took him throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, and every trip became another story to share. A lifelong outdoorsman, he spent decades hunting and fishing. He was also an enthusiastic Walt Disney fan, and his love of music, theater, and dance reflected the joy and curiosity he carried through life.

Some of the happiest memories of Joe are the simplest ones: backyard family barbecues, a well-timed joke, his infectious smile, and the easy way he made a gathering feel special. He was the person others could count on—the first to offer help, share a laugh, or make room for one more at the table. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be missed beyond measure.

Above all, Joe cherished his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Hadfield and Julia Ryan Hadfield. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Gartner Hadfield; his sister, Marie Harlan; his children and their spouses, Joseph and Krista Hadfield, Stephen and Maria Hadfield, Monica and Louis Russo, Carolyn and Marc Munz, and Jeffrey and Jaime Hadfield; his grandchildren, Jonathan, Luke, Nathan, Ryan, Monica, Erin, Grace, Troy, Jeffrey, and Alyssa; his great-grandchildren, Natalie and Gemma; and 17 nieces and nephews. Each was an important part of the family life that brought him so much pride and happiness.

Joe leaves behind far more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves a lifetime of stories, traditions, laughter, and love. His family will carry him with them in every gathering, every shared adventure, and every quiet act of kindness. He was deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed.