Joseph Valentine Gelo, beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 22, 2021 at the age of 94. Born November 18, 1926, Joseph was the son of Valentine and Rose Gelo of Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where he developed an interest in aviation and aeronautics. While still in school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served during WWII. After his service, he decided to follow his family's tradition of employment and began a long and successful career in the New York garment industry. He retired in 1995. He resided and raised his family in Livingston, New Jersey, for 57 years, before moving to Hackettstown in 2013.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Goldbach (Edward) of The Villages, Florida. He is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Catherine Rita McKenna Gelo; sister Constance Messana (Peter) of Monroe Township; three sons: Daniel J. Gelo (Gabrielle), Bandera, Texas; Jeffrey V. Gelo, Hackettstown; Joseph A. Gelo (Amy), Long Valley; and three grandsons: Terence J. Gelo (Emily), Houston, Texas; Thomas V. Gelo (Jasmine), Los Angeles, California; Christopher J. Gelo, Long Valley. Joseph will be remembered as a master ship modeler and enthusiastic New York Yankees and Giants fan. He enjoyed visiting historic sites, taking scenic rides in the countryside, and spending time with his grandsons. He loved jazz, folk music, western films, and adventure novels. In his final years he won great admiration for his devotion as caregiver to Catherine.
There will be no funeral service immediately. Joseph's life will be celebrated by his family and friends at a time and location to be announced.
Final Resting Place
Hackettstown Union Cemetery
153 Mountain Ave
Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States
07840
Joseph was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Goldbach (Edward) of The Villages, Florida. He is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Catherine Rita McKenna Gelo; sister Constance Messana (Peter) of Monroe Township; three sons: Daniel J. Gelo (Gabrielle), Bandera, Texas; Jeffrey V. Gelo, Hackettstown; Joseph A. Gelo (Amy), Long Valley; and three grandsons: Terence J. Gelo (Emily), Houston, Texas; Thomas V. Gelo (Jasmine), Los Angeles, California; Christopher J. Gelo, Long Valley. Joseph will be remembered as a master ship modeler and enthusiastic New York Yankees and Giants fan. He enjoyed visiting historic sites, taking scenic rides in the countryside, and spending time with his grandsons. He loved jazz, folk music, western films, and adventure novels. In his final years he won great admiration for his devotion as caregiver to Catherine.
There will be no funeral service immediately. Joseph's life will be celebrated by his family and friends at a time and location to be announced.
Final Resting Place
Hackettstown Union Cemetery
153 Mountain Ave
Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States
07840
Joseph Valentine Gelo, beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 22, 2021 at the age of 94. Born November 18, 1926, Joseph was the son of Valentine and Rose Gelo of Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where he developed an interest in aviation and aeronautics. While still in school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served during WWII. After his service, he decided to follow his family's tradition of employment and began a long and successful career in the New York garment industry. He retired in 1995. He resided and raised his family in Livingston, New Jersey, for 57 years, before moving to Hackettstown in 2013.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Goldbach (Edward) of The Villages, Florida. He is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Catherine Rita McKenna Gelo; sister Constance Messana (Peter) of Monroe Township; three sons: Daniel J. Gelo (Gabrielle), Bandera, Texas; Jeffrey V. Gelo, Hackettstown; Joseph A. Gelo (Amy), Long Valley; and three grandsons: Terence J. Gelo (Emily), Houston, Texas; Thomas V. Gelo (Jasmine), Los Angeles, California; Christopher J. Gelo, Long Valley. Joseph will be remembered as a master ship modeler and enthusiastic New York Yankees and Giants fan. He enjoyed visiting historic sites, taking scenic rides in the countryside, and spending time with his grandsons. He loved jazz, folk music, western films, and adventure novels. In his final years he won great admiration for his devotion as caregiver to Catherine.
There will be no funeral service immediately. Joseph's life will be celebrated by his family and friends at a time and location to be announced.
Final Resting Place
Hackettstown Union Cemetery
153 Mountain Ave
Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States
07840
Joseph was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Goldbach (Edward) of The Villages, Florida. He is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Catherine Rita McKenna Gelo; sister Constance Messana (Peter) of Monroe Township; three sons: Daniel J. Gelo (Gabrielle), Bandera, Texas; Jeffrey V. Gelo, Hackettstown; Joseph A. Gelo (Amy), Long Valley; and three grandsons: Terence J. Gelo (Emily), Houston, Texas; Thomas V. Gelo (Jasmine), Los Angeles, California; Christopher J. Gelo, Long Valley. Joseph will be remembered as a master ship modeler and enthusiastic New York Yankees and Giants fan. He enjoyed visiting historic sites, taking scenic rides in the countryside, and spending time with his grandsons. He loved jazz, folk music, western films, and adventure novels. In his final years he won great admiration for his devotion as caregiver to Catherine.
There will be no funeral service immediately. Joseph's life will be celebrated by his family and friends at a time and location to be announced.
Final Resting Place
Hackettstown Union Cemetery
153 Mountain Ave
Hackettstown, New Jersey, United States
07840
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