It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Merante. Joe passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 14, in Freehold, NJ. 

Joe was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He went to Shallow Junior High School, where he met the love of his life at 12 years old, Marie. He then attended New Utrecht High School and graduated from NYU.  Following college Joe served in the US Army for two years after he and Marie were married.  Shortly after that they moved and raised their young family on Staten Island, before moving to New Jersy in 1980.

Joe and Marie loved to travel. They were able to see most of the world. Travelling on the Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mary were some of their most treasured memories.  Joe travelled to all parts of the world for business at a time that people did not just go to Asia for a meeting – but he did.  Joe had a long and meaningful career in the shipping industry.  Together Joe and Marie enjoyed going to the beach, to the theater, and the opera.  Joe was an avid tennis player for many years.  Upon retirement he took up golf. The activity that meant the most to Joe was being a very active member of St. Mary’s church in Colts Neck for 45 years, he deeply embraced his faith and made lifelong friends.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Merante, his wife Marie Merante, and his sister Joan Lynch.

He is survived by his children Joseph Merante and his wife Celeste and Lisa Pucillo and her significant other Bob Fryer; his sister-in-law Catharine DeFeo and her husband Dee; his grandchildren Jaclyn Pucillo and her husband Adam Brick, Alexis Sargisoff and her husband Dennis, and Renee Merante; and his great grandchildren Willow, Adriana and Olivia.

We are respecting Joseph’s strongly expressed wishes for a private burial and interment and thank all for understanding.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Alzheimer’s Association at https://donorservices.alz.org or by mail to 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.