Joseph Accardi

Joseph S. Accardi, 91, passed away peacefully in his home on December 20, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Joe was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Antoinette and Anthony Accardi, then later moved to Irvington. Joe’s years spent growing up on Vermont Avenue in Irvington were some of the greatest times of his life. He met his beloved wife, Rhoda, in the 8th grade at Myrtle Avenue School and they were together ever since. They dated throughout his years attending Seton Hall University and they married before he began attending Seton Hall Law School. They had a blessed and blissful 63-year marriage, and had 4 wonderful children, raising them in East Hanover, where he and Rhoda spent the rest of their lives, with all of their children residing in Morris County.

Joe was a star athlete while growing up and in high school, playing key positions in baseball, football, and basketball. He was the shortstop, the quarterback, the point guard, and the captain of all his teams. He was passionate about sports, and dedicated many years of his adult life to coaching his son’s baseball teams from little league to adult leagues, teaching and mentoring younger baseball players on how to play the game. He also loved and spent a lot of his time attending his grandsons’ baseball, football, basketball, lacrosse, and hockey games cheering them on and giving them pointers at the batting cage.

In Irvington, Joe also made his lifelong friends with the guys he grew up with and played sports with.  Those friendships remained constant, strong, and dear to him throughout his entire life.

After graduating from law school, Joe went on to have a successful career as a trial attorney. He began as a criminal trial attorney, trying homicide cases and other first-degree crimes.  He eventually focused his practice in civil trial work, and built a successful law firm where his son and daughter practiced with him. Joe was passionate about the law and was dedicated to every client and every case he handled. He earned the respect and admiration of every attorney he worked with or against and every judge he appeared before.

Joe was honorable, loyal, dependable and well respected by all who knew him. His dedication and commitment to his family, his friends, his love of sports, and his career were beyond measure. He was a true gentleman, and he will be greatly missed.

He also served on the East Hanover Board of Education, was an active member of the community and a faithful parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rhoda (nee Bardner), in 2019, and he leaves behind his daughter Maria Accardi (Jeff Adams), son Anthony Accardi (Lisa Accardi), daughter, Lisa Humphries (John Humphries), and daughter Cristina Mirda (Michael Mirda).  He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren: Nicole Hylton (Jeremy Hylton), Alexandra Accardi, Gabrielle Wild, (Michael Wild), Jessica Accardi, Savannah Adams, Joseph Accardi Adams, Benjamin Adams, Jack Humphries, Avery Humphries, Hollis Humphries, Alexa Mirda, and Lindsey Mirda. In addition, he leaves behind four great grandchildren: Elle Kennedy, Cameron Accardi, Jackson Lee Hylton, and Michael Wild, Jr.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Thursday, December 26th from 4-7pm.  The inurment and committal prayer service will be held at the Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in E. Hanover on Friday, December 27th at Noon, followed by a repast.

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