Joseph M. Hillery, PhD

Joseph “Joe” Hillery, of College Park and Shady Side, passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 83. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose greatest joy was his family.

Joe was born on June 19, 1943, and raised on Chicago’s south side as the youngest of three boys. After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago, a graduate degree from the University of Detroit Mercy, and his PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Akron.

While in school, Joe married the love of his life, Gayle Lankin Hillery. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage and built a life centered on love, family, and adventure. Shortly after Joe earned his PhD, he began teaching for University of Maryland University College, a role that took him and Gayle overseas for three years in Europe and two years in Asia. While living in Tokyo, they welcomed their oldest son, Terry, before settling in College Park, Maryland, where they welcomed Tony and Katie.

Joe built a meaningful career as an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist, working for 22 years at U.S. Postal Service Headquarters in Washington, D.C., before transitioning to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, where he later retired. He also continued teaching as an adjunct professor of both Psychology and Business for 40 years, sharing his knowledge and experience with generations of students.

Although Joe took pride in his education and career, the most important part of his life was always his family. He loved supporting his children and, later, his grandchildren in their sports and activities, always making time to be there to cheer them on. He took great pride in watching his family grow and being present for the moments that mattered most.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle; their three children, Terry Hillery; Tony Hillery, his wife, Tasha, and their children, TJ and Samantha; and Katie Lively, her husband, Joe Lively, Jr., and their children, Tripp and Brooke.

He is also survived by his older brother, Jack Hillery, and Jack’s wife, Tad, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Ron Hillery, and Ron’s wife, Judy.

Joe will be deeply missed by the family he loved so much and by the many friends and extended family members whose lives he touched. He will be remembered through the stories shared, the memories made, and the love he gave so generously throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Love, Inc. in Joe’s memory. The link to donate is HERE