Joseph Anthony Fischetti, 96, of Toms River, passed away peacefully at his home on August 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, our father understood from an early age what would ultimately matter most in his life: family. His story with our mother began at the Brooklyn Public Library, where the moment he met her, he knew she was someone very special. He carried that love with him throughout his entire life.

In 1950, he entered the United States Marine Corps. After testing exceptionally high on his military IQ examination, he was immediately placed in a position that required an above-average level of intelligence. Even while serving his country, his heart remained with our mother. He wrote to her often and carried her photograph in his wallet. Remarkably, that same photograph was still in his wallet on the day he passed away.

Their love was extraordinary. They were devoted to one another for their entire lives, and even in their later years, they would continue to sleep holding hands. Their love was a beautiful example of what a lifelong partnership could be.

After completing his military service, he married our mother and began the greatest chapter of his life: building their family. He worked tirelessly to provide for them while pursuing his own education at Cooper Union in NYC.  For nine years, he worked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., went directly to night school, and often did not return home until 11 p.m. He did this night after night, year after year, until he earned his engineering degree. His determination, intelligence, discipline, and work ethic were extraordinary.

He went on to become a brilliant civil engineer, enjoying a long and distinguished career, primarily with Foster Wheeler in the Fired Heater Division. He worked incredibly hard to provide for his family of seven, but his career was never what defined him. His family was.

He and our mother raised five children, and he made sure that their childhood was filled with love, laughter, traditions, and memories that would last a lifetime. He made holidays magical. He made summer vacations special. He gave his children a summer home where countless memories were created - memories that his family continues to cherish and enjoy to this day.

He taught us, by the way he lived, that family comes first. He showed us what sacrifice looked like, what devotion looked like, and what it meant to love without limits. He was our protector, our provider, our teacher, and our greatest example.

To his children, he was not simply a father. He was the greatest father in the world.

His legacy lives on in his five children, in his grandchildren, great grandchildren and loved ones, in the traditions he created, and in the countless memories that will be carried forward for generations. Most of all, it lives on in the family he loved above everything else.

Family over everything.

Dad, you were truly one of a kind. We will miss you more than words can ever express. We are heartbroken that you are gone, but we are endlessly grateful that we were blessed to call you our father. Your love, your strength, your sacrifices, your laughter, and the life you built for us will stay with us forever.

There will never be another you. Give Joe a big hug for us. We love you, Dad, Forever.

Beloved husband of 73 years to Ethna Fischetti.  Devoted father of Anne Fischetti, Kathy Miller, her husband Howard, Nancy Grazioso, her husband Anthony, Ethna Zarra and her husband Nick.  Cherished grandfather of Lauren and Shane, Jonathan, Kate and Danielle, Alyson, Anthony and Alexandra, Jessica and Joseph, Brenna and Nicholas.  Proud great-grandfather of Navy, Beau, Oliver, Lily, Callum, Levi, Ashton, Anthony, Briella, Michaela, Joelle, and AJ.  Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joseph was pre-deceased by his son Joseph G. Fischetti, his parents Anthony and Antoinette Fischetti, and his brother Mickey Fischetti.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Friday, August 21st from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Saturday, August 22nd assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Aloysius Church in Caldwell at 10:30am.  Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joseph's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, see donation box below for details...

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph A Fischetti, please visit our Tree Store.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/