Joseph R. Nedrow

Joseph Riley Nedrow, of Cohasset, MA, died unexpectedly, Tuesday July, 14, 2020 at the age of 82. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ruth (Michaels), their children Michael, Jill (David) Zimmermann, and Margo (Michael) Doherty, and grandchildren- Michael, Elizabeth, and Katie Nedrow; Emily and Kara Zimmermann; and Zoe and Ava Doherty. He also leaves behind one brother, Jack Nedrow. 

Joe was born in Trafford, PA on February 15, 1938 to Margaret Riley Nedrow and J. Elmer Nedrow. He crafted a life of incredible success through an unwavering pursuit of education. From difficult, humble beginnings in western Pennsylvania, he earned multiple degrees, including a PhD, and later a second Masters from Harvard. His business career took him to the executive ranks of General Motors and even a stint at the White House. A voracious reader, he never stopped learning.

By his side throughout all his endeavors, was Joe’s beloved wife, Ruth. Joe and Ruth were high school sweethearts. They married after college, in August of 1960. Joe was drafted into the Army and served a tour in Korea as a Criminal Investigator. Upon returning home, Joe and Ruth lived in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Virginia, before settling in Cohasset with their three children.

Joe loved the town of Cohasset. He served two terms on the Cohasset School Committee and twelve years with the Council of Elder Affairs and Senior Housing. He was a member and former President of Cohasset’s Old Goats, and for many years was “Santa” at the town’s Christmas Fair. An avid golfer, Joe was a member of the Cohasset Golf Club for 42 years. Most of all, Joe loved that Cohasset was a place for his family to call home. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Joe rejoiced in time spent with his family. Joe embraced all with a warm greeting and exuberant smile, he was surely a light to all who knew him.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 20th, at the Second Congregational Church of Cohasset. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at https://2ndcc.org .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joseph R. Nedrow to the Second Congregational Church of Cohasset, 43 Highland Ave, Cohasset, MA 02025.

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