Joseph F. Csencsits

Joseph F. Csencsits, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, after a courageous and long battle with cancer.

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Born and raised in Passaic, NJ, Joseph was the son of Joseph and Anna Csencsits and one of two children.  From an early age, he displayed both intelligence and creativity, excelling as an All-State violinist and active member of his high school glee club.  A proud graduate of Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic, Class of 1961, Joseph continued his studies at Newark College of Engineering before serving his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. Stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he served honorably as a hospital clerk and personnel specialist.

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After completing his military service, Joseph earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Upsala College in East Orange.  He began his teaching career a Ramsey High School, where he taught mathematics and introduced students to the emerging world of computer technology.  His enthusiasm for education later led him to the computer industry where he spent fifteen years teaching computer systems implementation with Microdata to both local businesses and major corporations.  Never losing his passion for the classroom, Joseph returned to school himself to earn a master's degree in education and resumed teaching mathematics, this time with the Englewood Board of Education, where he taught from 1998 until his retirement in 2009.  Even in retirement, Joseph remained dedicated to education, working as a substitute teacher in the Wayne, Pompton Lakes and Wanaque schools.

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Joseph's devotion to service extended beyond the classroom.  He was a longtime member and treasurer of both the Wayne Lions Club and the Lions Charitable Foundation.

In 1964, Joseph was introduced to the love of his life, Maryann Kowalczyk. After four years of courtship, they were married on August 17, 1968, at St. Joseph’s Church in Passaic. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their three children, Cheryl, Brian, and Lauren; first in Clifton and later in Wayne, before settling in Pompton Lakes and ultimately Wanaque.

He was an avid collector of model trains, proud of his extensive collection, and enjoyed spending time at his computer, often sharing jokes and chain emails with friends and family. Above all, his greatest passion was his family. He never missed a concert, play, or sporting event, cheering on his children and grandchildren with pride.

Joseph and his family were devoted and active parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley in Wayne while raising their family and most recently of St. Francis of Assisi in Wanaque. Known for his sharp wit and warm sense of humor, he loved to tease those he cared for most, leaving behind countless cherished memories and smiles.

He will be remembered as a gifted teacher, a faithful servant, and, most of all, a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Joseph’s legacy of love, laughter, and dedication will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Joseph is survived by his wife Maryann (Kowalczyk) of Wanaque, NJ, his three children; Cheryl Lowe and her husband David of Parsippany, NJ, Brian Csencsits and his wife Enya of Blairstown, NJ, and Lauren Csencsits and her fiancé Larry of Stanhope, NJ, his sister Joan DesRoches and her husband Raymond of Midland Park, NJ, and eight grandchildren; Alexander Reid and his wife Emily, Kyle Reid, Skylar Reid, Jack Lowe and his wife Ashley, Jennifer Lowe, Samantha Lowe, Tedi Csencsits, and Jacob Makover.  He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anna Csencsits and by a special brother-in-law Leonard Kowalczyk as well as other close family members. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's name may be made to St Francis of Assisi or Wanaque Feed the Hungry