1955 - 2026
Born in Natick, he was the son of the late Elizabeth (White) and Joseph E. Horrigan. Joe lived a life defined by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to his family and community.
He was an avid volunteer, dedicating his time to the Holliston Auxiliary Police, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Massachusetts Militia in support of the State Police. He also served as an EMT with the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT2) out of UMass Medical. A man of strong faith, Joe served as a Eucharistic Minister and mentor at St. John’s Seminary. As a father, he was deeply involved in his children’s lives, often coaching their hockey teams.
Joe graduated from Holliston High School in 1972 and attended MassBay Community College, where he notably directed his future wife in a production of Guys and Dolls. Gifted in mathematics and technology, he taught himself over 30 computer languages and became an expert in cybersecurity and large-scale systems. He earned certification as a Hewlett-Packard Master and held numerous roles in information technology, including positions at Harvard Pilgrim and consulting work with Silicon Valley companies. Later in his career, he led IT operations at Stanford University Hospital before returning to Harvard Pilgrim, where he concluded his professional journey.
Joe had a lifelong love of animals, especially his three beloved dogs, and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, faith, and endless curiosity.
He is survived by his wife, Patti; his sons, Patrick Horrigan and his wife Jodi of Framingham, and Michael Horrigan and his wife Julie of Sturbridge; and his daughter, Dawn of Millis. He was a proud grandfather to Casey, Aedan, Brianna, Lindsay, Ryan, and Patrick. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Horrigan and his wife Dottie of Ashland; his sister, Kathleen Morin and her husband Ernie of Farmington, New Hampshire; and his niece, Kelly of Daytona, Florida.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Bettsy Horrigan; his brother, James; and his nephew, Patrick Donnelly.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 12:00 to 2:30 PM at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington Street.
A funeral Mass will follow at 3:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Church in Medway, with burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island (wish.org/massri) or Special Olympics (specialolympics.org).
