Joseph P. Ilaria, 69, passed onto the Lord and his heavenly family on Wednesday, September 3, 2014. Joe was born June 18, 1945 and was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. He also resided in North Bergen, Rutherford, and Ventnor, New Jersey during his life.
He worked for the United States Post Office (DVD) in Kearny, New Jersey for 35 years and retired in 2000. He was a mechanic then moved his way up to supervisor of maintenance operations. He played golf and bowled a perfect score of 300! He loved the holidays with the family and delicious food. He enjoyed spending time at Waterview pool and Wildwood concerts with his family and friends, especially the Italian Festival. Joe will be terribly missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Evelyn Ilaria; beloved son, Rocco A. Ilaria (who quoted, “He was the greatest Dad ever”); his daughter, Michele Thomas; son-in-law, Robert Thomas and son, Shawn Hartland; his granddaughter, Heather Hartland; grandsons, Jason Hartland and Benjamin Goddard; his sister, Mary Ann Ilaria; brother, Jerry Ilaria; mother-in-law, Eva Madrigal; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rocco and Angela Ilaria.
Services will be held in private as per Joe’s wishes. Donations can be made to your local food bank, or Joe asked that you do a kind deed for your neighbor, especially the elderly, in memory of him.
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain