Joseph Tullio Tirone

Joseph was born in Detroit, MI in 1935 to Ignazio and Grace Tirone. The family relocated to New York, and after high school, Joseph served honorably in the Special Police unit of the United States Army. He met Rose, his wife of 61 years, while stationed in Germany.

Joseph had a distinguished career as an educator, teaching social studies and math in the New York City school system for 26 years. He achieved a Masters of Education degree, and continued his own education throughout his tenure.

He and his wife Rose enjoyed traveling together on 13 cruises and countless other trips throughout Europe and the United States. He also enjoyed golf, bicycling and playing cards with friends. In his 50s, he successfully completed the challenging Five Boro Bike Tour twice. He maintained good friendships with fellow veterans through regular meetings at his local American Legion hall.

Joseph was a devoted Catholic, never failing to contribute and support the good works of the Church. He served as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Church. He was very active in the community at The Fairways and loved working at Bingo and other events. He held his dear friends there in the highest esteem.

He will always be remembered for his charm, his sense of humor and his kindness to both friends and strangers alike. If he joked with you, you knew that he loved you. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Rose. He is survived by his older sister Rose-Marie, his children, Susan, Christopher and Steven, as well as his dear son in law Joseph who took amazing care of him throughout many years. He loved his nephew Roberto and niece Norma as his own, and was blessed with nine grandchildren and his two-year-old great grandchild, Griffin.

Visitation will be held from at the D'Elia Funeral Home, Rt 70 & Vermont Ave in Lakewood on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00pm

A Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, located at 1139 E County Line Rd, Lakewood, NJ 08701, on February 3, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Interment will follow at Moravian Cemetery, located at 2205 Richmond Rd, New York, NY 10306, on February 3, 2026, at 12:30pm.