Joseph Michael Coll, 87, of North Port, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012.

He was born Dec. 6, 1924, in Collougher Casrleren County Roscommon, Ireland, to Thomas and Mary Coll.

He served in the Irish Army from 1943 until 1946, as an Operating Technician in the medical field. Joseph arrived in America in New York City, N.Y., on pier 11 on Jan. 30, 1949. He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., at 18 Joraleam St. for two years, and worked as a counter man at Brickford’s Restaurant. Joseph moved to the Catskill Mountains with his sister, Helen, for the summer, and worked as a bartender at Emerald Isle House. He came back to Brooklyn and worked for the American Can Company for two years. Joseph met the love of his life, Betty Ryan, and married her in 1953. They had a daughter, Nadine. Joseph and Betty separated in 1965, and he moved to an apartment in Brooklyn. While working for a printing outfit in Manhattan, N.Y., he attended night school and became a Dental Technician. Joseph worked in New York City for 11 years, making porcelain teeth. He retired and moved to Delaware, Ohio, and volunteered his time working with senior citizens. Joseph purchased a mobile home in North Port, where he lived for six years, before moving in with his friend, Ron, who helped care for him for seven years. Joseph was a member of the Holy Name Society of San Pedro, Knights of Columbus of North Port, where he was a 4th Degree Knight, and was a past member of the Nights of Pichais Elks Club.

He is survived by his sisters, Catherine of Roscommon, Ireland, Nonie of Dublin, Ireland, and Ethna of Dublin; and many nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret and Helen; and his brothers, Pat, Tom and John.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at McKee Funeral Home, 14538 Tamiami Trail, North Port. A funeral Mass is scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Entombment will take place at Charlotte Memorial Gardens, 9400 Indian Springs Road, Punta Gorda, Fla. For online condolences, please visit www.mckeenorthport.com.

Arrangements are by McKee Funeral Home of North Port.