Joseph H. Inserro

Eighty years after enlisting in World War II to defend democracy and fight fascism, Joseph H. Inserro died in the early hours of February 10, 2025 at the age of 98 in Clark, New Jersey.

Joe was born October 27, 1926, in the borough of Queens, New York, to Nicholas and Anna (Pafundi) Inserro, where he lived for most of his life (first Corona, and then Flushing). He enlisted in the Army Air Corps Reserve when he was 17, and after graduation from Chelsea Vocational High School in January 1945, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps of Engineers in February 1945. After completing his training (which included four hours on the B-29 until the war was declared over later that day) he served in the Pacific performing aircraft maintenance until December 1946.

When Joe returned home, he worked for Kollsman Instrument Corp and then Safe Flight Instrument Corp. in aircraft maintenance technical service and field support.

Joe had a very active social life, including skiing, camping, vacationing, road tripping, golfing, dancing, fishing, and general carousing. “Joey” finally settled down at the age of 39 after meeting his wife Lois through the Sunrise Ski Club.

Joe was a dedicated spouse and father, and spent many hours volunteering, coaching, church ushering, building furniture in his workshop, and general tinkering/MacGyvering around the house in Flushing or in the homes of his relatives and neighbors. He was also a member of the American Legion and was thrilled to attend the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in May 2004.

After Joe was done paying for his kids’ school tuition, he made time for skiing again and was a member of the White Plains Ski Club and the 80+ Ski Club.

"Chicken Joe" loved talking to strangers (occasionally to the embarrassment of his family) and treated everyone with respect. One of Joe’s favorite sayings was, “I don’t walk in another man’s shoes,” and he was loathe to judge anyone, unless of course his wife or children were caught loading the dishwasher the wrong way, or a cab driver was not taking what he thought was the best route.

Always a stubborn and proud man, Joe was convinced to retire in his mid-eighties and moved to New Jersey in 2011, where he made an entirely new set of friends at Somerset Run, including through the Men’s Club, the Singles Club, the Yiddish Club, bocce, and cards. He also enjoyed activities through his membership at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge.

Joe was predeceased by Lois in 2003. He was also predeceased by his sister Lillian Maffia and his brother Alfred. He is survived by his daughter Allison, his sons Richard and Ronald, his daughter-in-law Julia, his grandchildren Colin, Max, Luca, Nyla, Liliana, and Miles, sister-in-law Joan Smith and brother-in-law Gerry Severynse, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His children would like to thank the many healthcare workers who cared for him in recent years. Please honor Joe by respecting those taking care of you and your loved ones, in particular the many immigrants who come to this country to provide the most grueling hands-on care tasks. We also encourage you to honor his WWII service with any pro-democracy activities you may wish to support in the years ahead.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:15 AM at Saint Andrew Avellino Roman Catholic Church, 35-60 158th St, New York, NY 11358. An interment will follow at Mt St Mary's Cemetery 172-00 Booth Memorial Ave Fresh Meadows, NY 11365