Joseph Jerry Fancera

Joseph Fancera of Stuart Fl passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026 at the age of 92. Born on March 12, 1933 in Newark, NJ in the Iron Bound section to Jerry and Maria (Lorenzo) Fancera. He was a devoted husband to wife, Marie and loving father to his three children Joseph, Mark and Donna and all six of his grandchildren. Joe leaves behind a lasting legacy of a life filled with memories of his family. Everyone who knew Joe knew he felt blessed to have had a long life to drink it to full measure.

Joe attended high school in Newark, NJ

then proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954. A patriot to the core. He held a deep love and respect for God and country and his American flag always flew with pride.

After the army, he met the love of his life Marie (Salerno). They were married in 1957 at St. Lucie‘s Church, Newark, NJ for 68 wonderful years. They moved to Watchung, NJ where they raised their children, attended mass weekly at Saint Mary’s Church, and spent summer weekends down the Jersey shore.

Joe spent his career in transportation, often working long days and sometimes weeks on the road when the children were young. Despite the demand of his job, he always made time for his family and the passions he loved. His passions were what defined him. From hunting and golfing to the ocean and his boat he found joy in the outdoors and shared it generously with his family and friends. Fishing, crabbing, clamming, waterskiing, and countless leisure boat rides, and beach days became part of who we are because of him. His love for the Jersey shore, where we spent Summers and Florida shaped us and its imprint will remain forever.

Joe and Marie loved to travel. Many school vacations were spent heading to different parts of Florida and visiting Disney World. Joe was a huge amusement park enthusiast - he loved roller coasters and lived for the excitement. As the children grew older, Joe and Marie’s travels expanded and they were fortunate to visit many countries together.

Being a devout Catholic, one of the most special and unforgettable moments were during a trip to Rome, Italy when they were at the Vatican and Pope John Paul II walked past them. It was truly an honor and a blessing.

When Joe retired, they decided to move down to the Jersey shore and spend part of the year in Stuart, Florida as snowbirds. In 2019 they made the decision to become full-time residence of the sunshine state, embracing the warmth, beauty and lifestyle they both loved - taking walks, going to the beach daily and enjoying dinners outside by the water.

Joe is survived by his wife Marie of 68 years. Children, Joseph (MaryJane) Fancera, Mark Fancera (Patti Askew) Donna (Dean) Koep. Grandchildren, Michaela, Taylor, Ryan, Anthony, Nicole, and Emily who he loved and was incredibly proud of each and everyone of them.

We find comfort in knowing Joe’s legacy lives on, through lessons he taught us, love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever.

Funeral services will be held on January 31, 2026, 2:00pm at Ayock Funeral Home 6801 SE Federal Highway Stuart, Fl 34997.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s children research hospital.