Joseph Cretella, Sr.

Joseph “Joe” Cretella, age 95, of Pompano Beach, Florida – formerly of Wayne, NJ and Brooklyn, NY – passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025.  

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Joe learned the values of hard work and perseverance at an early age. When his mother passed away when he was just 13 years old, he took on the responsibility of helping to support his family, sweeping floors at EJ Trump Printing Company. Through dedication and determination, he earned the opportunity to become an apprentice printer. However, his path took a different turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. Serving as a private first class and a medic during the Korean War, he was stationed in Germany and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal.  Upon returning home from his military service in 1953, Joe resumed employment at EJ Trump Printing Company, where he advanced over the next thirty-five years before concluding his career at Queens College in Queens, NY.  After a decade of service, he retired in 1998, ready to enjoy life’s next chapter.

In 1949, Joe met the love of his life, Angelina Lanza, through mutual friends. Despite the distance and challenges of his military service, their love endured, strengthened by letters and the promise of a future together. When he returned home in 1953, they knew they were meant to be. On November 13, 1954, they exchanged vows and began a beautiful journey together. Their forty-three-year marriage was filled with love, devotion, and the joy of raising their four sons—Louis, Joseph Jr., John, and Frank.

Joe’s adventurous nature shone through the way he embraced new experiences—one of the most memorable being a spontaneous trip to Lake George, NY, inspired solely by a friend’s recommendation. Without reservations, he loaded up the car with his wife, kids, and a batch of homemade eggplant sandwiches before setting off on an adventure. They eventually stumbled upon Whispering Pines, a cozy spot nestled along the Hudson River. That first visit sparked a beloved family tradition, as Lake George became their summer retreat for years to come, filled with laughter, scenic views, and cherished memories that spanned generations.

A natural athlete, Joe excelled in every sport he played, but baseball was his passion. As a phenomenal third baseman and a powerhouse at the plate, he even caught the attention of the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, at his father’s insistence, he pursued a more traditional career path. Though he set aside his baseball dreams, his love for the game never wavered. A true baseball fan and a devoted NY Mets fan, he coached his sons’ Little League teams and loved playing catch in the yard with his grandchildren.

Joe had a quiet strength and a sharp sense of humor, often delighting his grandchildren with funny faces and serenading his family with his favorite Frank Sinatra songs. He found joy in the little things—cheering for his beloved NY Mets, watching classic westerns like "Gunsmoke," and never missing an episode of "Wheel of Fortune" or "Jeopardy." But above all, he was “Pop,” not just to his grandchildren, but to everyone who knew him. His warm, loving, and steady nature had a way of making everyone around him feel special. In his later years, Joe found joy in wintering in Pompano Beach, FL, where he could relax, fish from the pier, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Joe was the devoted husband of forty-three years to the late Angelina Cretella (d. 1997); a loving father to Louis (Josephine) Cretella of Lakeland, FL, Joseph (Maureen) Cretella of Wayne, NJ, John (Rose) Cretella of Manalapan, NJ, and Frank (Debra) Cretella of Staten Island, NY; a cherished “Pop” to his grandchildren—Annie, Joseph, Amanda, Amy, Kristina, Joey, Thomas, Michelle, Stephanie, Francesca, Julianna, Anthony, and John; and a beloved great-grandfather to Allie, Angelina, Isabella, Serena, Scarlett, Joseph John (JJ), Eliana, Christopher, and Gabrielle.  He was also a dear brother to the late Frank, Tessie, Louis, and Anthony.

Joe’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family. His warmth and kindness will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation would be greatly appreciated.