Joseph J. Fenkel

Joseph J. Fenkel passed away peacefully at his home on December 4th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Joe lived 88 extraordinary years shaped by grit, generosity, humor, and a deep love of people, sports, boxes, and family. His unwavering morals, his work ethic, his reliability, and his integrity guided him throughout his life. Being a good person and living fully was always his compass, and it left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him.

Joe was born on March 27, 1937, in the Broad & Olney section of Philadelphia, and grew up the devoted son of Morris (Moishe) and Martha. He loved the simple adventures of childhood: playing stickball with friends, sneaking into movie theaters, and spending time with his younger sister, Fran, and later his brother, Bill. Even as a boy there was a spark in him, a mix of determination and enthusiasm that would define the rest of his life.

Joe excelled athletically, especially in basketball. He played Varsity at Central High School and then at Penn State as a freshman, which was uncommon at the time. His toughness, quickness, and surprising ability to jump high for a short guard made him a standout. In one game, nearly sidelined by a sprained ankle, he told his coach to “tape it up” and returned to finish the game. Joe treasured his school years and formed lifelong friendships through Beta Sigma Rho Fraternity, remaining loyal to those bonds throughout his life.

That same grit guided him as an adult. On the golf course, he was never out of a hole no matter the score. His refusal to quit earned him the nickname “Bulldog,” a name that followed him into business and every corner in his life.

In 1961, Joe founded McLean Packaging with his father and his partner, Ted Seidenberg. Together they built an industry-leading company in set-up, corrugated, and folding boxes. Joe’s passion for the business ran deep. On weekends he would walk the aisles of stores, sometimes alone and sometimes with a child in tow, obsessing over packaging. He meticulously inspected boxes, flipping them over in his hands and studying how they were made. His children and grandchildren worked summers in the factory, and Joe built McLean with the intention that it would stay in the family for generations. His generosity matched his work ethic. When a friend asked for support for a charitable cause, Joe always gave without hesitation. He simply wanted to help others.

Joe’s life changed in 1983 when he met Mary McCloskey on a blind date. They fell quickly and deeply in love and brought their families together. Joe had Stuart, Martha, and David, and Mary had Alexander, Ashley, and Patrick. In 1988 they welcomed Caroline, their joyful surprise. Together they called their blended family “Yours, Mine, and Ours” and “Our Magnificent Seven.” Their Gladwyne home became a place of warmth and celebration known for joyful holiday parties, lively pool gatherings, and the tours Joe loved to lead. He showed guests the details of the house, introduced them to “the most comfortable couch they had ever sat in”, and walked them proudly through his backyard. Weekends in Stone Harbor were filled with stories about Penn State basketball, skiing trips in the 1970s, and the early days of building McLean.

Joe found his greatest joy in witnessing the happiness of others. He felt most fulfilled when his friends and family were thriving. When something struck him as beautiful or extraordinary, he expressed it through one of his familiar Joe-isms. “It was unbelievable, Mare.” “Did you ever see a sunset like this?” “You’ve gotta try these chips.” He beamed with pride over his children and grandchildren and loved telling others about their accomplishments. Whether they were at a basketball game, a horse show, or a musical performance, he wanted the whole world to see how amazing they were. He was also an avid golfer, served as president of his golf club, and cherished his trips with his “buddies.”

Joe was a true character and made an impression wherever he went. He loved sharing the highlight of his day, telling stories about his children, or giving detailed breakdowns of the Phillies, Sixers, or Eagles. You could find him at Big 5 basketball games, cheering on his kids from the sidelines, or glued to Phillies broadcasts. He could not attend a game, eat breakfast at Hymie’s, or take a flight from PHL without running into people who knew him. He greeted everyone warmly, asked about their families, and made each person feel remembered.

Joe lived a full and meaningful life with Mary, his friends, and his family. He was a true original, and they simply do not make them like him anymore. He embodied his signature attitude of “tape it up,” always returning to the work of life after any setback. When Mary became ill, he cared for her with complete devotion and ensured her life remained full of joy and dignity. They were inseparable. Mary passed away on November 19, 2025. Two weeks later, Joe followed her. Those who loved them take comfort in knowing they left this world almost hand in hand and are together again.

Joe found meaning in both the big moments and the ordinary ones. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to “go out and slay dragons” whenever they ventured into the world. We imagine him now finally at peace, having slain every dragon placed in his path. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Joe is survived by his sister and brother Frances Freedman Blum and William Fenkel (Sarah) and his children: Martha Langer; Stuart Fenkel; David Fenkel (Shani Ankori); Alexander E. Wolfington Jr. (Donna); Ashley Wolfington (Michael Goetz); Patrick Wolfington; and Caroline Fenkel (A. Michael Blanche). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ben Langer (Julia), Anna Fenkel, Andrew Fenkel, Daniel Fenkel, Juliana Wolfington, Alexandra Wolfington, Thomas Wolfington, Maxwell Wolfington, Nadav Fenkel, Nicholas Wolfington, Aya Fenkel, Samuel Wolfington, and Arthur (Ari) Blanche.

He is additionally survived by extended family including Stuart’s, Martha’s, and David’s families, and the McCloskey and Fenkel families who embraced him as brother, uncle, and friend. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Martha Fenkel, and by his beloved wife, Mary McCloskey Fenkel.

A memorial will be held on January 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Main Line Reform, 410 Montgomery Ave, Wynnewood, PA 19096. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Jewish Federation of Philadelphia.

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