Joseph F. Stodolak Sr.

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Joseph (Józef) Frank Stodolak Sr., beloved husband to the late Mary Stodolak (nee Grossi), devoted father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and dedicated public servant who entered into eternal rest Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the age of 87, surrounded by his adoring children.

Joseph was born October 25, 1937 in the city of Elizabeth to the late Frank Stodolak and Josephine Stodolak (nee Nowak). He proudly served in the United States Army before becoming an officer in the Elizabeth Police Department. Throughout his 40+ years in the EPD he was held in the highest regard for his tremendous levels of honor, integrity and bravery. He not only served his community with pride but, also his fellow officers, creating and implementing the first “Pay Job” system, providing fairness and expanding opportunities across the force. He received many commendations throughout his four-decade career and was shown the ultimate sign of respect upon retiring in 2002, when the department retired his badge, #213.

It was by chance, while he was on a home visit from the Army that he met his “sweetheart,” Mary, the true love of his life. Following a two-year courtship and an Honorable Discharge from the Army they were married on November 15, 1958. Throughout their 66 years of marriage, until his final days he always expressed that she was “the most beautiful person he had ever met,” a notion of love so profound, it was the one constant memory never forgotten even through his final years with memory loss. His unwavering faith that he would be reunited with his "sweetheart" brought him great comfort through his final days.

He was devoted to his family and faith. He could often be found working double shifts and secondary “pay jobs” for the EPD, while also working as a professional painter, plumbing apprentice, rental property co-manager or operating a snow-plowing business with his brother, Richard. Somehow, he also managed to find time for classes at Kean College and to obtain both his Real Estate License and Black Seal Certification. Most importantly though, was the time he spent building connections and life-long memories with his family; adventures shared, and values instilled that will carry on through his children and grandchildren for generations to come. His ability to balance work and family, good times and bad, and the impact he left on everyone he interacted with was truly incredible and inspiring.

Joe had many interests and hobbies; he was a passionate organic gardener with neighbors often stopping by with their grocery bags, asking to pick fruit off his trees or fresh vegetables from his bountiful garden. He was a life-time member of Budgerigar Society from his time spent breeding Parakeets. He enjoyed road trips, both near and far, including taking his family on seven trips across the United States. He was an avid reader with an enthusiasm for learning, a true seeker of knowledge. He was proud of his Polish heritage as well as a proud American who loved his country. He was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, later converting to the New York Mets, when the Dodgers moved west.

He was a family uniter and like Mary, he enjoyed opening his home for gatherings, whether short visits or parties into the night, having family and friends around was what they loved most. Whether hunting or fishing with his brothers, friends and late son Joseph Jr., fishing or crabbing with his children and grandchildren, attending a game or school event, he cherished all the important moments and was proud of the family he was born into and the family he created. Anyone who knew Joe Sr. will know the following words from his first-born grandson, Joseph III could not be more true as they resound with us all:

“On top of the vacations, fishing and crabbing trips, seeing him at my sporting events, etc., some of my favorite memories have been and will always be hearing others talk about him with such reverence while describing times he helped them or stories of things he did for others. We’ll all miss him but, we’ll remember him for the strong family man he was, the man who always did things the right way and who earned so much respect from everyone who knew and loved him. That’s the man my father took after, the man I try to be and the man I will raise my son to be. That’s a true legacy and one I’m damn proud of.”

In closing, we would like to share the ending of his final written letter to all his children…

“Make sure you help the ones that need help” -Joseph Stodolak Sr.

Predeceased by his wife, Mary Stodolak (Grossi), son Joseph Frank Stodolak Jr., Parents Frank and Josephine Stodolak (nee Novak), sisters Agatha, Sophie (Zydzik), Christine (Jobeck), Bernadette and brothers, Eddie, John and Andrew.

Survived by his children Deborah, Diane, Sharon (Ed), Susan (Elio), Karen, Steven (Marlon); daughter in-law Lori, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and brothers Walter and Richard.

In lieu of flowers, and as a reflection of Joe’s lifelong commitment to helping others, donations may be made in his memory to Barnabas Health Home Care and Hospice:

VNA Health Group

Attn: Philanthropy Dept.

3600 State Route 66, FL 4

Neptune, NJ 07753

A memorial mass for Joseph will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Adalbert's Roman Catholic Church, 250 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07206. Following the memorial mass will be a funeral from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1000 E Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036.