Joseph Nelson Melillo

Joseph Nelson Melillo, 72, of Toms River was reunited with his beloved wife Michele on their 40th Anniversary, November 5, 2015. Joseph was born in Newark and lived in Nutley before moving to Toms River in 1984. Before proudly serving in the U.S. Army as a Chaplin Assistant during the Vietnam War, he attended Theological Seminary in preparation for the ministry. Joseph was a Correction Officer for Essex County for 25 years, retiring in 1994.

Joseph devoted his life to provide for Michele and their children. They unfortunately were never able to fulfill their dream of retiring in Arizona due to the untimely death of Joe's beloved wife in 1996. Joseph at that time focused his life on his grandchildren, which kept him going for the past 19 years. He was a quiet man who taught family always comes first.

Surviving are his son Kenneth Melillo and his wife Tina; two daughters, Angela Melillo-Smith and her husband Ronnie and Jacquelyn Chuisano and her husband Joseph. As well as his pride and joy the five grandsons Justin, David “DJ”, Corey, Kenneth and Eric. The lessons and values that he taught shall never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov 9 at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov 10 at St. Joseph’s Church, 685 Hooper Ave, Toms River. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to www.togetherfortommy.com a family member who is suffering from ALS.