Obituary of Joseph J. Iuzzolino
Joseph J. Iuzzolino
March 20, 1930 - September 29, 2023
Joseph J. Iuzzolino, 93, of Waretown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, September 29, 2023. Born on March 20, 1930, in Newark, New Jersey, to Joseph and Angelina Iuzzolino, Joseph was raised in the Ironbound section of Newark. He later moved to Watchung in 1970 and resided there until 2012 when he transitioned to his final home in Waretown.
After high school, Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Stationed in France, he diligently served as an ambulance driver. He earned an honorable discharge on December 31, 1957, and returned home to start the next chapter of his life.
Joseph found love and married Joan Wisniewski. Together they embarked on their journey of life and family. He was employed as a truck driver for Allied Chemical in Elizabeth, where he transported various chemicals, notably engine cleaner for rockets. Alongside his wife, Joan, they opened J&J Coffee Shop in Newark. After his trucking retirement, he founded Watchung Hills Landscaping with his son John, a business that continues to thrive today under John’s leadership. At age 70, proving age was but a number, Joseph transitioned into a new role as a personal trainer at the Somerset Hills YMCA in Basking Ridge.
Joseph's faith was a central part of his life. He was a former member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Newark and a proud founding member of St. Mary's Stony Hill Church in Watchung. An avid lover of the outdoors, he relished in fishing, skiing, and hunting. He was passionate about fitness, running marathons across the world including a notable one in China. In 2006, his athletic prowess shined as he raised $6,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North NJ Chapter during the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Virginia Beach, coming in first for his age bracket.
His adventurous spirit extended to his travels and to his home in Watchung, where he and his family built a pool on the mountainside. As the family's designated Thanksgiving turkey carver, he'll be fondly remembered for his playful habit of sampling generously during the carving.
After the passing of his beloved wife Joan in 1999, Joseph found love again with Peggy J. Dolan, who remained his steadfast companion until his passing.
He is predeceased by his wife, Joan; his sister, Rose Iuzzolino; and his brother, Michael Iuzzolino.
He is survived by his loving companion Peggy J. Dolan; his children Joseph Jr. (Jeanette), Mark (Fran), Diana Barling (William), and John P. (Maureen); sister, Inez Smith; eight grandchildren, Thomas, Taylor, Audrey, Nicole, Johnny, Michael, Brandon, and Rafael; as well as five great-grandchildren, Samuel, Oliver, Dasheil, Riley, and Knox.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023, from 4 to 8 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ. A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, commencing at 9 AM at St. Mary's Stony Hill Church, 225 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ, followed by entombment at St. Mary's Stony Hill Church Cemetery in Watchung, NJ.
May he rest in peace and may his legacy of love, dedication, and hard work continue to inspire all who knew him.
