Joseph R. Mazzarella 83 of Howell, NJ died Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Ocean Medical Center, Brick. Joseph was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Irvington. After marrying his college sweetheart, Helen (Robson) in 1959, Joseph moved to Edison, where they raised their family, before moving to Howell 12 years ago. He was a parishioner of St. William the Abbot Church, Howell. Joseph was an industrial arts teacher for the Linden School system until his retirement. He was vice president of the Linden Education Association for 25 years. Joseph was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Joseph was also very active in Pine View Estates, serving on various committees and was a member of the Pine View Bowling Team. Joseph was a master wood carver with prize winning pieces. He enjoyed antique cars, the Yankees, NY Giants and spending time with his grandchildren.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents Angelo and Irene Mazzarella, his brother Louis Mazzarella, and 2 sisters; Genevieve Mazzarella, Assunta Improta. Surviving are his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen M. Mazzarella, 3 children; Joseph N. Mazzarella and his wife Eileen Murphy of New York City, NY, Eileen Knapp and her husband Keith of Howell, NJ, Jennifer Russo and her husband Michael of North Plainfield, NJ, 4 grandchildren; Claudia, Chloe and Paityn Knapp and Gregory Russo. He also leaves his 2 sisters, Josephine Giacobbe of Spotswood, NJ Dolores Francese of Brick, NJ and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting will be Sunday, from 2-6 PM at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall. Funeral Mass will be Monday, 11 AM at St. William the Abbot Church, Howell. Committal will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 14 Commerce Drive # 301, Cranford, NJ 07016.