Obituary of Joseph Izzo, Jr.

Joseph Izzo, Jr., a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. He was 92.

Joseph leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Ann Izzo (née Kitchell); three sons, Joseph Izzo and his wife Karen, Stephen Izzo and his wife Jackie, and Daniel Izzo and his wife Michelle; one daughter, Jean Kessler; ten cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Tyler, Katie, Jessie, Michael, Zachary, Joaquin, Dante, Javier, and Delia; two treasured great-grandchildren, Oliver and Henry; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Cassamassa.

Joseph was born in Morristown on December 4, 1931, to the late Giuseppe and Ersilia Izzo (née DeTore). He grew up in Madison and attended Madison High School. After graduating from high school, Joseph enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country honorably during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, Joseph worked for the NJ Department of Transportation for 32 years as a crew supervisor.

Joseph met his beloved wife, Ann, at the Hanover Lanes bowling alley in East Hanover. The couple married on April 15, 1961, and stayed in Madison to raise their family. Joseph adored his family and loved spending time with his children and later, his grandchildren. He shared his love of fishing and crabbing with his family, spending countless hours with them on the docks of the Jersey Shore. He also went to every sporting event he could to support his grandchildren no matter what the weather conditions may have been.

Joseph was known for impressive vegetable garden and enjoyed sharing his vegetables with his neighbors and friends. Joseph was a huge sports fan who always loved talking about his favorite teams. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison. Above all, Joseph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream Mass viewing.

Interment with military honors will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison, NJ 07940.