Joseph Sindt

Joseph Sindt, age 71 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. His life was a version of the American dream: arriving as an immigrant in 1950 from a refugee camp in Austria, obtaining a solid education and going on to lead companies, launch businesses and build several residences.

Joe’s career was primarily in the wristwatch industry. For several years, he was an executive with Seiko and was selected to run its sister brand, Lorus, producer of the highly popular Mickey Mouse watches.  His most recent position was as President of Hirsch USA, a noted Austrian watchband company.  In the mid-'90s, he formed his own company supplying brand-name watches to a variety of corporate clients.

Joe was not the kind of man to sit still in his retirement. For the past ten years, he and his son Jameson launched and operated a number of "pop-up" seasonal Halloween stores throughout the greater Northern New Jersey area. Four years ago, father and son opened Gotham Comics, a comic book and collectibles store in Caldwell, NJ.

Joe was born in Linz, Austria, and came to the USA with his parents when he was just two years old.  They initially lived in New York City before settling in Emerson, NJ.  Joe graduated from Bergen Catholic High School, earned a degree in political science and business from Fairfield University and a Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson.

At his first job, Joe met coworker Nancy Pier. They were married in 1975 and resided in Bogota, NJ. In 1986, they moved to Nancy's hometown of Wayne, where they raised their son, Jameson; they have lived there ever since.  Joe and Nancy were fortunate to travel together throughout the years, including trips to Asia, Europe, and many parts of the United States.  Joe was always up for a fun adventure, and he enjoyed collecting souvenirs everywhere he went.

In his younger years, Joe was an avid sportsman, playing rugby and softball, tennis and golf. (As his friends attest, he could always be depended upon to shout boisterous comments to fellow players.) Later in life, he enjoyed collecting vintage movie memorabilia and fine wines. Even as his health began to fail in recent months, he agreed with his wife that he “had a good run.”

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Nancy of Wayne, their son, Jameson of Boonton, NJ, and his mother, Rosalie Sindt of Tom's River.  Joe was predeceased by his father; John Sindt, in 1998, and by his sister; Anne Marie Larkins in 1986.

To his family and many friends, Joe was honest and opinionated, but always generous and giving. He will be missed dearly.