Joseph Buononato

Joseph Buononato, age 69 of Wayne, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Joe has lived in Wayne since 1956.

Joe’s family moved to Wayne from Paterson when he was just a young boy, and he was the second-eldest of seven kids! He graduated from Wayne Valley High School with the class of 1970 and began working as an auto parts salesman. He spent many years with Sosmetal Products, and he had accounts all over the region. Joey had a dynamic personality that enabled him to make lasting friendships with many of the customers he served.

Joe’s passion was cooking. He always had a very natural gift for preparing fabulous meals and it was fun for him. All the while that he was a salesman, he never thought of cooking for a living, but his family motivated him to make a big career shift. He started cooking at a restaurant in Verona and quickly proved his skill in the kitchen. He also cooked at Mark’s Village Inn before going to Executive Suite Catering in Fairfield and he most recently worked at Divine Catering. Customers absolutely loved his food and many of his repeat clients would leave the menu selections up to Chef Joe.

Joe was affectionately known as “Uncle Football” to his many nieces and nephews. Actually, many of them probably don’t even know his real name is Joe! He was a season ticket holder at GIANTS Stadium since 1969 and never missed a home game – even preseason games, and he never left a game early. He was a true and loyal fan. Tailgating with Joe at GIANTS Stadium was epic and there was always tons of food to be enjoyed. Joe also enjoyed harness racing and he even owned a couple of horses back in the day. “Good Duke” and “J.G’s Burner” were among his four-legged investments, but no one is really certain if either of his horses ever won a race. Golfing was his second love, or maybe his first! He played more games than anyone could count, and he owns more clubs than anyone is willing to admit. He was a very good golfer and frequented all the courses throughout the area.

Joe was one of those people who had many friends, in many different friend groups, and he made long-lasting friendships. He frequently met up with his high school friends, who all know him as “Joe Boo,” and he never missed a class reunion. He was a lovable and sociable guy who you couldn’t help but love. Always happy and selfless to a fault. He would drop everything to help a friend, and it would bring him happiness to do so. He was simply a great guy and he will be dearly missed by so many.

Joe was predeceased by his father Joseph Buononato Sr in 1997, and is survived by: his mother; Josephine of Boynton Beach, FL, his stepdaughter; Jessica Almeida & her daughter, Melanie Valim of Harrison, NJ, a stepson; Junior Almeida of Ansonia, CT, his siblings; Amy Orrico (John) of Colts Neck, NJ, John Buononato of Wayne, NJ, Joanne Buononato of Boynton Beach, FL, Vinny Buononato of Boynton Beach, FL, Valerie Moravec (Otto) of Boynton Beach, FL, and Blase Buononato (Katie) of Wayne, NJ, his nieces & nephews: Anthony (Karen) Mannello of Fairfield, CT, Jason (Nicole) Orrico, Joey (Brittany) Orrico & Benny Orrico all of Colts Neck, NJ, Dr. Joelle (Josh) Starks of Bangor, PA, Monica (Alex Diffendale) Buononato of Breezy Point, NY, Tommy & Dominic Buononato of Wayne, NJ, ten great nieces & nephews: Ellie, Emerson & Cole Mannello, Tucker, Everly & Taylor Orrico, Christian & Vanessa Orrico, Jack Starks, Jameson Diffendale, and too many great friends & beloved co-workers to list.  He loved them all.

Donations in Joe’s memory to Wayne Little League would be appreciated. Please send to:
Wayne Little League
c/o Tim Crowe
11 Copley Court
Wayne, NJ 07470