Joseph R. Alessi

ALESSI, Joseph R., 84, of Port Saint Lucie, FL, formerly of New Milford/Bergenfield, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024. Joseph is survived by his daughter Suzanne DeZerga and her husband Randy; his grandchildren Nicole DeZerga and her partner Kofi Eshun and Jake DeZerga and his wife Brianna; his great-grandchildren Zoey Goble and Etienne DeZerga; his sisters Laurie Rippe and Irene Bini and her husband Vincent Sr.; his nieces and nephews Michael, Jennifer, Benjamin, Brian, Vincent Jr. and Jennifer as well as his grandnieces, grandnephews and extended cousins. He is predeceased by his grandson SFC Michael Goble and nephew Daniel Rippe.

‘Papa Joe’ was born and raised in Bronx, NY. Once Joseph graduated Bergenfield High School, he embarked on his long-lasting career in Newspaper media; starting his career at The Ridgewood News, then the Paterson Evening News and finishing his lengthy tenure at the Record as a Hot Metal Typesetter. Toward the end of his career, he would spend days after his shift babysitting his grandchildren to hunt for the ‘Energizer Bunny’ in his apartment complex and watch The Little Mermaid for the umpteenth time with a beer in hand. After his retirement, Joseph relocated to Port Saint Lucie, FL for over 15 years where he got to enjoy the sunshine, spend time with his life-long friends, share his wisdom through political discourse and drink piña coladas on Hollywood Beach with his family.

Cremation held privately. A Memorial Mass celebrating Papa Joe’s life and faith will be held at St. John The Evangelist R.C. Church in Bergenfield, NJ on Saturday, July 13th at 11AM. Memorial contributions can be made in Joseph’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @ Stjude.org/donate