Joseph Santonastaso, a retired business owner, died peacefully in his home in Toms River, New Jersey on March 1, 2021, surrounded by his family. He is survived by Concetta, his beloved wife of over 66 years; his sister Carmela Perchiacca (Michele); his three daughters Maria Mazzola (Frank), JoAnn Fusco and Linda Browner (Michael); seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is predeceased by his parents Maria and Liberto Santonastaso, and siblings Anna DiMatteo, Irene Grillo and Frank Santonastaso.
Joseph was born in Santa Nicola La Strada, Italy in 1934. He emigrated to the United States in 1951 and then, by all accounts, went on to achieve the American Dream. After working at General Motors, he was trained in the butcher trade and opened several Meat Markets in Northern New Jersey with his brother-in-law and longtime partner, and owned and operated stores in Bloomfield, West Caldwell and Toms River for over 50 years. Although retired by age 62, Joseph worked tirelessly his entire life for his family and continued to work until 85 years of age.
A resident of Toms River for nearly 50 years, Joseph took the utmost pride in caring for his family, not only as a breadwinner but also with acts as simple as dropping off groceries to friends and family members and making and sharing his homemade wine. His values live on in his children and grandchildren, in the respect and appreciation for family tradition that he has bestowed to them. In the end, there is no doubt he met the measure of a life well-lived: loving well, and being well loved in return.
Due to safety restrictions in place, a private visitation will be held on Saturday morning, followed by a public funeral mass at 11 a.m. at Saint Justin the Martyr Parish Church, 975 Fischer Blvd., Toms River. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River.
Both the church service and committal service will be open to all other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated by the family.
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