Joseph V. Gelo

Joseph Valentine Gelo, beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 22, 2021 at the age of 94.

Born November 18, 1926, Joseph was the son of Valentine and Rose Gelo of Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where he developed an interest in aviation and aeronautics. While still in school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served during World War II. After his service, he decided to follow his family’s tradition of employment and began a long and successful career in the New York garment industry. He retired in 1995. He resided and raised his family in Livingston, New Jersey, for 57 years, before moving to Hackettstown in 2013.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Goldbach (Edward) of The Villages, Florida. He is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Catherine Rita McKenna Gelo; his sister, Constance Messana (Peter) of Monroe Township; three sons, Daniel J. Gelo (Gabrielle) of Bandera, Texas; Jeffrey V. Gelo of Hackettstown; and Joseph A. Gelo (Amy) of Long Valley; and three grandsons, Terence J. Gelo (Emily) of Houston, Texas; Thomas V. Gelo (Jasmine) of Los Angeles, California; and Christopher J. Gelo of Long Valley.

Joseph will be remembered as a master ship modeler and enthusiastic New York Yankees and Giants fan. He enjoyed visiting historic sites, taking scenic rides in the countryside, and spending time with his grandsons. He loved jazz, folk music, western films, and adventure novels. In his final years, he won great admiration for his devotion as caregiver to Catherine.

There will be no funeral service immediately. Joseph’s life will be celebrated by his family and friends at a time and location to be announced. For those wishing to make memorial gifts, please consider the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Hackettstown Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Maguire-Scala Memorial Home, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. To send an online condolence, please visit www.maguire-scalamemorialhome.com.