Joseph (Joe) Pizzigoni

Joseph (Joe) Pizzigoni

Joseph (Joe) Pizzigoni, Sr., devoted husband, dedicated father, fun and loving grandfather, an amazing man who will be cherished forever and will never be forgotten.
Joe began his journey in Brooklyn, New York, raised by his parents, Louis and Connie Pizzigoni (predeceased), and grew up with his five siblings, Louis, Gilda, John (predeceased), Marianne and Ellen.
Joe met his future bride, best friend and love of his life, Assunta (Santa) Mastrorilli, when they were just thirteen years old. Their childhood crush turned into a lifetime love affair. Shortly after Joe’s service in the United States Army, they were married and together they built an amazing family that began with their five children – Jeanmarie (Tom) Leber, Cori (Tony) Fornasier, Jody (Steve) Berenato, Joe (Jeannine) Pizzigoni and Santa (Mark) Carey, who he loved with all his heart, and all of whom equally adored him.
Joe taught his children the value of family, a love for life, a committed work ethic, a respect for others and most importantly, not to take life too seriously.
Joe started a successful bus company and travel agencies and enjoyed traveling with Santa and their children all over the world. He also enjoyed handicapping the horses and a good win at the casino, but his greatest satisfaction came from being a grandfather to his 15 grandchildren – Antonio Fornasier, Joseph Fornasier, Christopher Fornasier (predeceased), Stephen Berenato, Andrew Leber, Joseph Leber (predeceased), Assunta Carey, Alexandra Pizzigoni, Adam Berenato, Joseph Pizzigoni, Mark Carey, Dominick Pizzigoni, Lorenzo Pizzigoni, Joseph Carey and Sophia Pizzigoni and five great-grandchildren Kalani and Asher Leber, John and James Fornasier and Mckayla Leber.
Joe’s love for Santa and family was evident in every day and moment of his life. He lived well, loved deeply and completely, and gave generously. He was the epitome of a great man and will forever live in our hearts.
Come celebrate 85 great years, Friday, June 3, from 6-8 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, NJ. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Katherine Drexel Parish, Saint Paul’s Church, Burlington, NJ. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ, immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to KIIDS Inc., P.O. Box 1546, Bellmawr, NJ 08099, on behalf of Joe’s special buddy and grandson, Joseph Carey, who made Pa’s heart smile every day. Kiids.info Knowledge & Information about Individuals with Down syndrome.

 

2 Comments

  1. John Mastrorilli says:

    Uncle Joe,
    Your obituary speaks volumes about how you lived and loved in your lifetime. You leave behind such a wonderful legacy of some of the most warm hearted and loving people I know. I feel blessed to have known you and will fondly remember all the great times of my childhood with you and your amazing family. Love you Unc!

  2. Pat Mastrorilli says:

    Rest In Peace brother-in-law
    I was lucky enough to to have known Joe for most of his life from the early years of courting my sister, through his marriage and births of his children.
    One never knows the profound affect someone has on their lives until they pass.
    I reflect back to those times when I witnessed Joe interact with my sister, with his young family,always patiently,respectfully and loving.
    A blueprint of sorts of how I would treat my family. For that I will always be indebted to him.
    I remember Joe as a hard working husband and father.
    A very competitive person who would argue incessantly about touchdowns during our family Sunday football games
    He will be missed by his family and friends but not forgotten
    Thanks Joe for all you have contributed to my life.
    Pat