Joseph N Macaluso

Joseph N. Macaluso, 92, of East Hanover, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Joseph was born in Newark New Jersey in 1933.  He grew up on Hilton St., Belleville, NJ and was one of seven children. He lost his mom at the early age of 15 when his mom was only 38. He was fortunate enough to have his mom‘s family and the Macaluso relatives all living in close proximity.

As a growing boy, if he found it difficult to find enough food portioned between the seven children at home, he could walk less than a mile and be fed and cared for by one of his mom‘s siblings.  Within a 2 mile radius, he had many aunts, uncles and cousins to support and encourage a young man.

Joseph loved to sing and perform in his high school talent shows he loved to sing at weddings, parties and in church.

At Belleville high school he met the love of his life, a quiet girl from the other side of town. He pursued Delores for many years and told the football coach he was going to marry her someday. She finally relented after he serenaded her a few verses of “Because of you “.  They wed in May 1955, had 4 children and were married for 70 years.

Joseph attended Seton Hall University as an English major. He worked in sales most of his life but at age 45, he opened a Carvel ice cream store.  He loved owning and operating this business, but especially loved serving children when they came in at different points. All his children worked beside him at The Cravel Pit as they affectionately referred to Carvel.

He loved golf, bocce, and playing cards. He was a charter member of the East Hanover Knights of Columbus. He adored his grandchildren, and his happiest memories were those times spent with the kids, especially at the beach. He always loved the seashore and would finally retire at the Jersey shore after selling his Carvel.

Joseph will be most remembered as an entertainer and gregarious fellow who loved to throw a party for family and friends, but his greatest legacy, he would say, is his family and the many friends that he cherished being with.

Beloved husband of 70 years to Delores (Emanuele) Macaluso.  Devoted father of Joseph Macaluso, his wife Patricia, Mary Lynn McKiernan, her husband Colin, Susan John, her husband Robert, Marc Macaluso and his wife Sheila.  Cherished grandfather of Emily, Christopher and his wife Chelsea, Sean, his wife Lisa, Brian, his wife Teresa, Daniel, his wife Danielle, and Brendan, Matthew, Jennifer and Mary Rose, Marc Joseph, Meghan and Michael.  Proud great-grandfather of Matteo and Benson.  Joseph was also survived by his step-brother Ralph DeMarco, his brother-in-law John Inmediato, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Joseph was pre-deceased by his parents Joseph and Josephine Macaluso, and was the last surviving of 7 siblings. 

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Sunday, November 30th from 1-4pm.  Funeral on Monday, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 10am.  Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

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

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