Joseph Nigito

Joseph L. Nigito, age 78, of Kinnelon, passed away on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Joseph was born into a world of rations and scarcity, just a few months after World War II. He lived with his parents Lucia and Biaggio, and his brother, George, in a one-room home in the Italian mountain village of Belliardo. He immigrated to America at the age of 14, apprehensive but filled with hope and determination. The family settled in Paterson, NJ and Joe and George were enrolled in school. Joe graduated from East Side High School in 1965 and met Maria shortly after. Maria was just 14 at the time and who would have known they would eventually be married.

Joe returned to Italy after graduation to serve in the Italian Army. Upon his return, he pursued a career in computer technology, a new and quickly developing field. He was offered a job at Burroughs Corporation where he gained extensive on-the-job training. He excelled and worked his way up to Regional Manager, earning multiple awards and recognition. He continued his career as an Operations Manager for the Northeast with Sorbus/Bell Atlantic Corporation. He ended a successful career in a leadership role at Akibia. He was steeped in real-life experience versus traditional education.

Outside of work, he was constantly building new things: Adirondack chairs, remote control cars, entire apartments for family members and friends. He would always say “the tool makes the master” and collected the best tools, housed in the most organized garage of all time. Joe set out to make himself indispensable to the people he loved. It was one way he showed affection, even if he was complaining about it the entire time. Joe loved cars, especially classic cars, and going to car shows with family members and friends. Music was a significant part of his life, perpetually listening to 50s and 60s classics. He was a lifelong learner with a particular interest in history. His broad knowledge would rival any Jeopardy champion. He stayed connected to his Italian roots, always sharing stories about his childhood, and honored his heritage through days spent at the Scoglitti Club. He was proud to go to Italy multiple times, with his family, to introduce them to his humble beginnings and to meet the extended family.

Joe and Maria would soon be celebrating 54 years of marriage; They were married on July 26th, 1970. They weathered many good and bad times, always working through life’s challenges together. More than anything, Joe was devoted to his family. Joe loved a good argument, especially with his brother, George. They would entertain the entire family at Holiday gatherings with their animated disputes. His 3 children, Melinda, Brian and Renée were his proudest legacy, each one becoming successful and independent adults. He also had a strong relationship with his children’s spouses, embracing each of them as his own. However, his true pride and joy became his grandchildren, Skylar, Jordan, Sean, Ella and Casey. He was a fixture at their sports events, theater and dance performances, and all school milestones. He would be the first to assemble toys, build shelves, mount light fixtures and do whatever else needed to be done for his children and grandchildren. He and Maria made great memories taking the 4 eldest grandchildren to the shore, playing games on the boardwalk and jumping ocean waves. And, much to his eternal joy, he was blessed late in life with his newest “little lady”, Casey. In addition to the joy he found in his family, he had a strong network of close friends with whom he enjoyed traveling during his retirement.

He was a powerful man, not just in strength, but in presence and character. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his legacy of love, hard work, and resilience will live on in all of us who were fortunate to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Joseph’s name are asked to consider a donation to The American Cancer Society.