Joseph Frank Insalaco Sr.

Joseph Frank Insalaco Sr. was the type of man people looked up to. He was a natural leader. He was tough-minded and was always ready to take on the role of problem solver. Joseph was a source of strength and stability, and sacrificed everything for his family. He was a true and loyal friend to many. He was a man who loved the simple life.

Joseph was born on May 28, 1948 in Miami, Florida to Jim and Helen Insalaco. He was raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey with his three younger brothers, Frank, Vinny, and Carmen. Joseph learned early the value of responsibility and hard work, and kept this work ethic throughout his life.

After graduating from Edison High School in 1966, Joseph was drafted to the United States Army. During this time he learned how to shape his leadership qualities and how to make quick and meaningful decisions. He saw action for one year while he was stationed in Vietnam. After coming home, Joseph began his 35 year long career with the New Jersey Highway Authority. He was someone people could look up to and know they could count on to get the job done.

On October 24, 1971 Joseph exchanged wedding vows with Denise Marie DiStefano at St. Anthony's Church of Elizabeth, NJ. Joseph was devoted to Denise and their family together. They were blessed with two children, Joseph and Nicole, and later with six grandchildren, Dominick, Gavin, Joey, Finley, Joey, and Colton. Their family was rounded out by their beloved pets. They had Chestnut, their collie, for 13 years, as well as their other dogs, Frosty, Cisco, and Biscuit.

Whenever he wasn’t working, Joseph held a number of hobbies. He liked playing Texas Hold ’em Poker on Saturdays. Joseph was intelligent and sometimes it felt like he could figure out anything he put his mind to. He also liked spending time with his best friend, Vinny Canella, or watching football games on TV. Most of all, Joseph loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, and after his retirement he spent a lot of his time with his twin grandsons. Joseph loved his family and being with them was the greatest joy in his life.

Joseph was a member of St. Joseph Husband of Mary for 13 years and held close to the traditional values and his faith. He also loved to travel the world whenever he got the chance. He wanted to see whatever the world had to offer him. He had the chance to go on vacations to Italy, Hawaii, Paris, and the Atlantis, Bahamas.

Joseph passed away on February 2, 2022 at St. Rose - San Martin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Denise Insalaco; son, Joseph Insalaco, Jr.; daughter, Nicole Folino; son-in-law, Joseph Folino Jr.; daughter-in-law, Summer Insalaco; grandchildren, Dominick, Gavin, and Joseph Folino and Finley, Joseph, and Colton Insalaco; and brothers, Frank, Vinny, and Carmen Insalaco. Services were held at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Church.

Joseph was a genuine person who was truly loved by everyone. He was a good and loyal friend, and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He provided for his family and made sure they never wanted for anything, and was someone people could go to for advice or a good joke or story. He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Joseph Frank Insalaco Sr., and he will be deeply missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsouthwest.com for the Insalaco family.