Former Liberty student dies of cancer
Former Liberty University baseball player Joseph J. Feeley III, 23, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 27, 2012.
Athlete — Joseph Feeley played baseball at Liberty. Photo provided
Feeley was a beloved son, brother, grandson, boyfriend, nephew, cousin, friend and teammate. Feeley attended Tall Oaks Classical School and Red Lion Christian Academy, where he graduated with honors in 2007. A member of the National Honor Society, Feeley was active in sports, drama productions, science olympiad, student government, and church and community activities. Feeley was awarded All-State honors in cross country in grades 9-12, as well as All-State honors in baseball his junior and senior years.
Despite countless running scholarship offers, Feeley opted to pursue baseball in college. His baseball career culminated in a Division 1 Baseball scholarship with Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. Additionally, Joseph enjoyed drawing, shooting, disc golf, fishing, paintball and golf.
Feeley enjoyed 2 years at Liberty University where he played baseball and worked towards his degree in kinesiology. He earned several academic honors including Dean’s list and the Big South Presidential Academic Award.
However, escalating pain prompted further investigation and led to the shocking diagnosis of Ewing’s Sarcoma in January 2010.
“This was the beginning of his courageous and heroic battle. Joe endured the ravages of chemotherapy and integrative modalities with an amazing strength and grace,” his mother Karen wrote. “His tenacity, determination and character allowed him to continue being a witness for Christ in spite of this affliction.”
After a year of treatments, Feeley resumed his collegiate pursuits with an emphasis in a physical therapy doctorate degree at the University of Delaware until his cancer dictated his medical withdrawal.
When cancer treatments prevented Feeley from continuing with sports, he began to develop other hobbies including photography, drawing, target shooting, piano playing and composition. His mother said that he “was active in many activities in support of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House including piano performances at the telethon for two consecutive years, speaking and playing at golf outings and other fundraising events.”
Feeley is survived by his parents, Joseph and Karen Feeley, his sister, Jillian, his girlfriend, Janie Sikes, his grandparents, Joseph Feeley Sr and Ronald and Ellen Fields and a multitude of beloved aunts, uncles and cousins, who all played a role in his support system.
“Joe also had an amazing network of treasured friends, teammates and caregivers,” his mother said.
“Joe leaves a legacy of love of family, friends, teammates and coaches. He has been a joy and treasure for 23 years. Our hearts and arms are aching as we long to hold him close again and watch him accomplish the hurdles of life. We grieve in hope because of our faith that we will be reunited in heaven someday. Until then, we rest in the knowledge that he is safe at home.”
Family and friends gathered to celebrate Feeley’s life and legacy on March 5 at Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church. Visitation took place from 4-7:30 p.m., followed by a memorial. The burial was kept private.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for “Kay’s Kamp,” KEWF, 560 Peoples Plaza, Box 111, Newark, DE 19702. To express condolences, visit www.stranofeeley.com or reach Stron & Feeley Family Funeral Home at 302-731-5459.