Joseph Phillip Ofmani

Joseph Phillip Ofmani, age 75, of Wayne passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Joe was raised in Union City, NJ and was the youngest of two sons born to Giuseppi and Marta Ofmani. He graduated from Emerson High School in 1966 where he played on the varsity football team. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was stationed in Korea and served as a Military Police (MP) until he was honorably discharged in 1969.  Shortly after his discharge from the military, Joe lost both his mother and father within the span of only one year. He loved sharing memories of his parents and was forever trying to recreate his mother’s recipes. 

Joe married his high school girlfriend, Linda Cattani.  The couple settled in Union City and while residing there welcomed the birth of their daughter Amy.  After ten years of marriage, the couple separated. Joe remarried after being introduced to Vicki Gentempo on a blind date. The newlyweds settled in Wayne where they raised their two children Joseph and Antonia and resided ever since.

Joe was a member of Plumbers Local #14 (now #24) out of West Caldwell, NJ and part of the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers. Although he technically retired in 2011, his passion for plumbing never faded and he worked until his passing.

Joe was an avid fisherman. He looked forward to fishing in Chateauguay, New York annually and was also known to catch an occasional tuna during deep sea expeditions with his friends. Joe frequented many of the golf courses and enjoyed spending time outdoors with family and friends.  He was an extraordinary cook and was famous for his homemade pizza and Christmas Eve frittelle.  Joe could often be found in his yard gardening or starting a project around the house. 

Those who knew Joe best understood that his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Joe than spending time with his grandchildren.  He was truly a devoted husband, father and especially a beloved grandfather.  Joe will forever be remembered for having a deep love for his family and friends who extended far and wide. He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.  

Joe is survived by his wife Vicki (nee Gentempo) of Wayne, his daughter Amy Volk and her husband Ken of Newton, MA, his son Joseph Ofmani and his wife Alissa of Wayne, NJ, and his daughter Antonia Demmers and her husband Brett of Wayne, NJ. Also, six grandchildren; Aidan Volk, Alivia Ofmani, Andrea Ofmani, Makaela Demmers, Brett Demmers, and Angelo Ofmani. And his mother-in-law Antoinette Gentempo. He was predeceased by his brother John.  

In lieu of flowers, the family will be making a donation in Joe's honor to the New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers scholarship fund.