Joseph A. Birchill, Jr.

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Joseph was always happy to help a fellow resident, and kept a joke ready for the staff.

Joseph Aloysius Birchill, Jr., age 82, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026.

Joseph was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He spent his final years as a resident at the Gruene Senior Living facility in New Braunfels. There, he made many friends, was always happy to help a fellow resident, and kept a joke ready for the staff.

Joseph proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military service, he demonstrated immense determination by earning his Bachelor of Science degree at night from Widener University.

As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Joseph built a distinguished professional career. He served as President of the Houston Area Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, later honoring the organization as President Emeritus. He eventually retired as a President with the American General Life Insurance Company.

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He truly believed dogs are man’s best friend.

Deeply committed to civic duty and his community, he was a proud member of the V.F.W. #691 in Drexel Hill, PA. Joseph volunteered his time tutoring English to recent U.S. immigrants. He also developed a sharp passion for politics, serving in numerous positions for The 1960 Republican Club, working with various PACs, and dedicating his time to the congressional campaign of John Faulk. Outside of his civic work, Joseph loved Scott Joplin Ragtime Jazz, spicy food, and Texas barbecue.

Joe was a lifelong dog lover who adopted and provided a loving home to many sweet pups, always considering them members of his family. As an advocate for pet adoption, he truly believed dogs are man’s best friend.

Above all else, Joseph loved his family beyond measure. He was the devoted husband of Violet for 55 beautiful years; she never left his mind, and he always put her wants and well-being first. He was a strong, supportive dad to his two daughters, Emma Birchill Macatee and Amy Birchill-Lavergne, fiercely teaching them that they could do anything a man could do, and to never back down when they knew they were right. He also adored his sons-in-law, Timothy Macatee and Toby Lavergne, treating them as his own sons. His greatest joy came from his two grandchildren, Charlotte Lavergne and Joseph “Joey” Macatee. They brought him immense happiness, and he treasured every single moment spent with them.

Along with his immediate family, he leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews, including David, Joann, and Jack Law; Diane (Law) Young; and Karen (Shaw) Hill, Connie (Shaw) Shivers, and Susan Shaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph A.and Rita D. Birchill, and his sisters, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Law and Rose Genevieve “Lollie” Shaw.

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His greatest joy came from his two grandchildren, Charlotte Lavergne and Joseph “Joey” Macatee.

He leaves behind a legacy built on his own final lesson: that life is truly about those you love and doing what you love.

Interment with military honors will take place in the fall at the Massachusetts National Cemetery on Cape Cod.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Joseph’s life are invited to make a memorial donation to the Special Pals Animal Shelter in Houston, TX, or to Autism Speaks, both organizations that Joe strongly supported.