Joseph J. Hurley Esq., former First Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts, died peacefully on May 6 at the Twin Oaks Care and Rehabilitation Center of Danvers. His wife, Jean F. (Welch) Hurley, predeceased him in 1996.

He was born on Sept. 13, 1922, the son of Joseph J. Hurley, former assistant United States Attorney, and Irene L. Hurley, a longtime beloved Boston school teacher.

During the Second World War, Mr. Hurley served as an administrator NCO with the 492nd Air Service Group. Following the war he did his undergraduate studies at Boston College where he graduated in the class of 1949, and earned his master’s degree from the Harvard School of Law.

Over the years he donated his time to many worthy causes, all of which supported the health, well-being and education of those less fortunate than he. While serving as chairman of the board for the Catholic Charitable Bureau of Boston, Mr. Hurley was knighted into the St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta in recognition for his dedication to and faith of his church.

He shared his love of the ocean with his seven children on day trips to Martha’s Vineyard. His daughter Mary settled on the Vineyard and went on with her husband, Ray, to own Island Cove Mini Golf. Joe, as he liked to be called, loved the community of the Vineyard and felt an affinity here; despite his many accomplishments he felt most comfortable with the concept of being a country lawyer. An impromptu greeter at the mini golf course, he was always appreciative of the opportunity to share in the unique camaraderie that is the Vineyard. Joe Hurley was a generous man with a gentle humor, quick with a handshake or tip of his hat to those who passed his way.

He is survived by five children: Mary Hurley Gosselin and her husband, Ray, Elisabeth J. Gravel and her husband, Robert, of Salem; Assistant Attorney General Margaret J. Hurley of Grafton, and David J. Hurley and John J. Hurley, both of Framingham. He was predeceased by son Robert J. Hurley in 1979 and daughter Susan J. Hurley in 2006.

He will also be missed by his grandchildren: Carl and Meghan Gosselin of Vineyard Haven, Meghan Reckis of Salem, Michael and Mary Stygles of Grafton and Sarah Hurley and her daughter, Marissa, of Framingham, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea church in Oak Bluffs on Saturday, May 14, at 11 a.m.

Donations would be appreciated in his name to Our Lady Star of the Sea (Good Shepherd Parish), P.O. Box 1058 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or a charity of your choice.