Joseph “Joe” Critelli,77, left his home on earth from complications following surgery early in the morning on Sunday, May1, 2011 with his godson Brett and cousin Bobby by his side.
He was born in Utica, NY the son of the late Frank and Florence “Minnie” Ruffo Critelli and spent his loving and idyllic childhood in Old Forge, NYwhere he graduated from Town of Webb High School.
Following high school Joe attended SUNY Brockport and also proudly served in the Army during the Korean War where he received an Honorable Discharge in 1955.
Joe was known and loved by every person that ever had the pleasure of meeting him. With his quick wit, winning smile and endless stories, Joe was the epitome of “getting the party started”.
Since 1987, Joe was an Automobile Executive for Union County North Jersey Newspapers (NJN)
Suburban News where he excelled even during tight economic times. He was acknowledged as the first automotive advertising salesperson to be elected to the Board of Directors for the Union County Automotive Dealers Association.
In addition, Joe was involved in philanthropic efforts such as serving as an active member of Cancer Care of Elizabeth, NJ. Previous to working for NJN, Joe was a key sales executive for Gannett Newspapers in Manhattan.
Joe will be remembered fondly by his close cousins Loretta Grande Gaudin, Lenora Magnesio, Linda Barbaritano along with numerous nephews, nieces, friends and three godchildren.
May his spirit help the sun shine a little brighter and continue to warm each and every heart that remembers being touched by him.
Friends and family in the Boonton, NJ area can pay their respects on Thursday, May 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mackey Funeral Home in Boonton.
Joe’s Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday May 7, 2011 at noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel /Blessed Sacrament Church where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated.
Family invites visitors to join and gather at 11 a.m. one hour prior to the mass. Interment will be at the convenience of the family at St. Agnes Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the guidance of the John L. Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks, NY.
Online messages of sympathy can be sent to: www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or Simon G. Carol Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital.
We will miss you, Critter!
