Obituary of Joseph Vincent DeBiase

Joseph Vincent DeBiase, a lifelong Madison resident and parishioner at St. Vincent Martyr Church, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 11, 2024. He was 88.

Joseph is survived by his loving nieces and nephews and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Carmine and Marie DeBiase; one brother, Carmine “Skip” DeBiase; two sisters, Phyllis McGovern & Marie Anelli.

Joseph was born in Madison on May 11, 1935. He was a graduate of Bayley-Ellard High School and went on to enlist in the United States Navy after high school. 

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Joseph began assisting his parents with the family business, Central Lunch, which was opened on July 13, 1928. Central Lunch was the oldest, continually family-run business in Madison.

Joseph eventually took over the business from his parents in 1982.  He treasured his customers and treated them like family. Many of his loyal customers ate at Central Lunch for decades, passing the tradition on to their children.

The last transaction in August of 2017 was rung up on the same cash register as the first transaction in 1928; and after 89 years as a family business, Joseph announced his retirement and Central Lunch was closed.

Joseph was loved and respected by several generations of residents in Madison, and his legacy of dedication and hard work will be remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Joseph held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey.

Following the visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison.

Interment with US Navy Honors will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, on the corner of Shunpike Road & Noe Avenue in Madison

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Robert E. Taratko Educational Assistance Trust Fund, c/o C. Gatti, 15 Townsend Avenue, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 - Tax ID# 22-63283