Joe was born in Franklin, NJ and raised in Newton, NJ. He attended Newton High School and graduated with the class of 1949. Joe proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Juneau and the USS Salem 139 in the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet. After his discharge from the Navy, he began a 30-year career with the United States Postal Service in Newton, retiring in 1986. Then he became the mailroom manager for the former National Bank of Sussex County until his retirement in 2002.
Joe was an extremely hard worker whose dedication and commitment to the community was evident through his volunteerism. He joined the Newton Vol. Fire Dept. in 1955 as part of the Kittatinny H & L Co. and was an Exempt Fireman. Joe was a member of the Newton Board of Education, the State V.F.W and the State American Legion. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newton since the age of 13. He found Project Self Sufficiency to be an organization near and dear to him and committed many hours to support their causes. Joe is fondly remembered by his family for his love of sweets and music.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marguerite (McCracken) Mussolini; and his first wife, Ruth M. Mussolini. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Smith Mussolini; his children, Robin Probasco (Robert), Kim Jarvis, Karen Walk (Tim), and Douglas Mussolini; his stepdaughter, Stephanie DeFelice (David); 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Dolores Decker.
Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ. Funeral Services will begin at 1:30 pm with Firemen’s Services and Military Honors. Interment will be at a later date in Newton Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to the First United Methodist Church of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave, Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences can be offered to the family below.
