Joseph J. Carini

Joseph J. Carini, age 62, of Kinnelon, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 5, 2021.

Joe was a natural athlete who spent decades dedicating himself to the sports of strongman and competitive powerlifting. Among his many accomplishments, Joe won the title of NJ's Strongest Man 6 consecutive years during the 1980s. He was the first man in the state of New Jersey to officially squat 800 lbs, the first man in New Jersey to officially Bench Press 600 lbs, and the first man in NJ to achieve a powerlifting total of over 2100 lbs.

At just twelve years old, his cousin introduced Joe to the weights. The first time Joe grasped those weights he knew weightlifting was his calling. Weighing just 135 pounds as a high school freshman, he trained throughout high school and weighed 230 lbs when he was a senior. As a teenager, he met professional wrestler and champion Olympic weightlifter Terry Manton who took Joe under his wing and mentored him, helping Joe to develop as an athlete and coach. As Joe considered a life’s vocation, these early experiences lead him into a wholehearted career in the fitness industry.

Joe was passionate about sharing his knowledge on strength training with others and dedicated his career to helping athletes in the community. He was the owner and operator of Carini’s House of Iron in Pine Brook, NJ, where he was fortunate to train thousands of athletes during his 40+ year career. These athletes ranged in age and ability - from elementary school athletes to senior citizens, NFL players, and athletes with special needs. His goal for everyone was exactly the same – making sure that they performed their best. A constant fixture at the gym, his biggest source of pride was watching the amazing progress his clients and athletes made every day. He loved getting excited calls from those who just had a victory in a competition, and many times they’d call Joe before they even called their own family to share news of their success. He had friends and clients who had been with him for decades and were like an extended family for him.

Joe had a unique manner of telling stories, with a special ability to help you put things into perspective and realize the important things in life. He loved to make people laugh, and was always the center of attention and affection. With a heart as big as his physical prowess, for every ounce of love he received, he would return it ten-fold.

The second of Salvatore and Felicia (Pezzuti) Carini’s three children, Joe was born in Paterson. In 1964, his family moved to Wayne where Joe spent his formative years. With his father’s early passing, Joe worked hard, doing his best to make sure that his mother and sisters were well cared for. Joe had a work ethic second-to-none, waking up at 3:45am every day to open the gym. In 2000, Joe met the love of his life, Joan Pecchio, and they married on July 11, 2004. Ever the dedicated family man, when he wasn’t at the gym Joe loved to relax at home and patiently wait for Joan’s famous meatballs. He loved watching football with his two loyal pups Walter and Ginger or being outside with them on a pleasant sunny day.

Joe is survived by his wife Joan of Kinnelon, NJ, son Eric and daughter-in-law Ashley of Surfside Beach, SC, sisters Maria Pizza and husband Ron, and Sue Piombo and husband Albert - both of Wayne, NJ, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that he adored.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Joe’s favorite charity:

Yellow Rabbit Animal Rescue
Mailing address 5971 Pleasant Hill Road, Ashland, MS 38603-7062.
Paypal: yellowrabbit1959@gmail.com
Venmo: @Sheila-Clifton-2.