He was born in Newark, NJ, on March 24, 1930, son of the late Rosario and Angelina Furnari.
Joseph graduated from Central High School in Newark in 1949. He then worked for EGL as a supervisor for the next 47 years, until his retirement in 1996.
He was a devout Catholic and very involved in church activities at both Sacred Heart in Newark and St. Michael’s in Union, where he was an Eucharistic Minister for many years. He and Carol worked with the St. Michael’s CYO Youth Ministry where they embraced the young people who looked to them as “grandparents.”
Every morning when he woke up, Joseph would spend time with the many photographs on his nightstand and dresser, taking time to touch each one and say a prayer.
Joseph was an avid, lifetime gardener who loved tending to the best Jersey tomatoes ever. He leaves behind a legacy of fig trees that spreads across the state of New Jersey and beyond. He is a published writer. His personal stories inspire all those who read them.
He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Carol, and their three children, Russell, Joseph, and Lisa, and his daughters-in-law Lydia, Deborah, and son-in-law Peter, who he quickly accepted as his own, not as in-laws.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Gina and her husband Matt, Nick, David, Vanessa, and Gianna.
Additionally, Joseph was blessed to have a large “extended” family who he made feel as if they were a part of his own family.
A visitation will be held at McCracken Funeral Home, at 1500 Morris Ave in Union, on Thursday, July 10 from 4 to 8PM.
Separately, a memorial mass will be held on Friday, July 11 at 2PM at St. Michael’s Church, at 1212 Kelly St, in Union.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joseph Furnari to the St. Michael’s CYO Youth Ministry to lessen retreat costs for the teens. Checks should be made payable to the St. Michael’s CYO Youth Ministry and mailed to St. Michael’s Church, 1212 Kelly St, Union, NJ 07083.
