JOSEPH A. CARABILLO

MEMORIAL MASS: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 10AM OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL RC CHURCH 155 WEST PARKWAY POMPTON PLAINS, NEW JERSEY BURIAL OF CREMATED REMAINS IN URN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 FOLLOWING MEMORIAL MASS ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CEMETERY 5635 BERKSHIRE VALLEY ROAD OAK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY 07438 It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph A. Carabillo announce the news of his passing on August 28, 2023 at the age of 97. Joseph Andrew Carabillo was born in Lodi, NJ in 1927 to Andrew and Lucille Perniciaro. He attended Lodi public schools and it was at Lodi High School where he would meet Helen Marie Palsi, who became his high school sweetheart. Joe and Helen would eventually marry, but not before Joe answered this countries’ call to service in the Second World War. A US Navy veteran, Joe proudly served as Seaman 1st Class (S1c) on board the USS Topeka (CL-67), a Cleveland class light cruiser between 1944 and 1946 in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Later in life Joe often told stories of his experiences during his time at sea. After his discharge from the Navy and return from active duty in 1946, he returned home to Lodi and re-united with the love of his life, Helen. The two wed soon after in 1948. The two newlyweds began their life together in Lodi by taking a small two room apartment over his parents’ house. Joe started working as a draftsman at The Bendix Corporation in Carlstadt NJ. During this time, he also attended Fairleigh Dickenson University, where he received instruction in drafting. Joe and Helen left Lodi, to move to a house in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. It was in Hasbrouck Heights where they welcomed their first daughter, Andrea. Joe and Helen decided to move to Towaco NJ in 1964, and welcomed their second daughter, Maria. Soon after, Joe began his employment for JL Prescott. Joe lived in Towaco most of his life, but he cultivated his love for many hobbies and interests wherever he resided. In 2004 Joe and Helen decided to move to Oak Ridge NJ so they could be close to their grandsons at the time. Joe absolutely loved working with his hands and could make, fix, or repair anything around the house. If there was a tool needed for a job, you could find it in Joe’s Towaco basement. Joe was very fond of his neighbors in Towaco as well. Neighbors Kenny and Nils in particular always benefited from Joe’s vast inventory of tools and know-how. Joe was always busy with his many associations, hobbies and interests. He loved playing cards at a place he referred to as “the joint’ in Lodi. He was an outstanding bowler for many years in the Bendix bowling league, and in 1955 bowled in the Golden Pins Final. Visitors to his house might recall the “golden bowling shoes” he so proudly displayed. On many occasions Joe served as emcee at his bowling banquets. Joe was an active member of the Montville VFW Post 5481, where he enjoyed cooking for the members at their monthly meetings. He was renowned for his sausage and peppers and his pasta and meatballs. Joe served as an usher at St. Pius X church in Montville for many years. And later, when they lived in Oak Ridge, Joe and Helen regularly attended St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Jefferson, where they also witnessed their grandsons receive their sacraments and serve as altar boys. Joe was an avid stamp collector, loved watching golf and John Wayne westerns on TV, and always enjoyed grilling dinners for the family. He wouldn’t let a day pass without his morning and afternoon coffee, and after dinner dessert. And since Joe was a Navy man, when he made coffee, it was strong. And as many folks know, he was usually the only one who enjoyed drinking it, many times days after he made it. Joe loved and cherished his grandchildren. Few things made him happier than spending time with his two grandsons, Derek and Andrew Hall, as they grew up. As an early retiree, Joe was fortunate to be able to spend daily time with them during their pre-school years. From babysitting duty to attending their sporting events, Joe was always there for them. When the boys were in high school, Joe welcomed his third grandchild, Sophia Klecha, and enjoyed attending her school events, watching her gymnastics meets and wrestling matches. He was very close to a neighbor and friend in Towaco, Matt, who Joe considered more of an extended grandchild than friend. Joe helped Matt grow and mature whenever and wherever he could. Joe is survived by his two daughters, Andrea Hall and husband Bruce, Maria Klecha and husband Kevin; grandchildren Derek Hall and wife Christine, Andrew Hall and Kiana, Sophia Klecha, and great-grandson Jaxon Hall. As well as many nephews and nieces and their spouses from Helen’s family and his cousins Joann and Maryann Toli. Joe was pre-deceased by his wife, Helen, in 2018. Joe’s unique personality, character and wit will be sorely missed, and his absence from family functions and events will be sadly felt. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 10am at Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, Pompton Plains, NJ. On line condolences and directions to the church: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com.

JOSEPH A. CARABILLO

August 7, 1926 - August 28, 2023