Joseph Sisco

Joseph Sisco, age 89, of Pompton Lakes passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 28, 2021 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Joe was born in Paterson and was one of four children to Harry and Margaret Sisco.  The family lived in Caldwell until Joe was about seven years old.  The family then moved to Pompton Lakes where Joe remained for the rest of his life.

Joe attended Pompton Lakes High School where he was a running back on the high school football team.  After graduating with the class of 1950, Joe got the call to serve his country with the United States Army in 1952.  Joe served overseas in the Korean War and served with the 23rd Infantry Regiment.  During his time in the US Army, Joe achieved the Rank of Sergeant and was awarded the United States Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, a Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal.  Joe served proudly and honorably in the US Army from 1952 to 1954.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe found work quickly in the construction industry.  For a short time he worked alongside his father Harry who was a stair builder.  Joe then went to work for a local contractor where he was employed as a carpenter for several years.  In 1960, Joe decided to join the Pompton Lakes Police Department.  Joe started out as a Patrolman and over the years worked his way up through the rank eventually earning the position of Chief of Police.  Joe treasured his nearly thirty year career as a police officer until his retirement in the late 1980’s.  Joe continued to work following his retirement.  He held a position with Craft General Foods in Riverdale for a few years and was also a currier for the Sate of NJ working at the NJ Training School in Totowa.

In 1951 after graduating from high school, Joe was introduced to an attractive young woman by the name of Shirley Mosier.  Shirley and Joe were set up on a blind date and went out to the movies together.  Shirley and Joe hit it off wonderfully and as fate would have it they fell in love.  On November 2, 1952, just before his service with the US Army, Joe and Shirley became husband and wife.  The newlywed couple settled in their hometown of Pompton Lakes and they called it their home for the rest of their lives together.  While living in Pompton Lakes, Joe and Shirley welcomed the births of both of their children, Joseph and Patrice.

Joe was a long time member of the Pompton Lakes VFW Post 2906.  He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed frequenting many of the local New Jersey golf courses.  He kept up with his carpentry skills over the years and would do quite a bit of work around his house and for many of his friends and neighbors.  He, his wife, and children treasured their yearly family vacations to Pennsylvania and Cape May, NJ.  But apart from all of Joe’s talents, hobbies and interests, his greatest passion was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Joe than spending time with and providing for his family.  Joe often referred to his grandkids and “My Kids.”  In 2004, tragedy struck Joe’s family when his son Joseph passed away unexpectedly.  Joe and his wife Shirley have treasured over sixty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage together.  Joe was a quiet man and often very private.  He was truly loved and respected by his fellow police officers and was a dedicated father and grandfather.  Joe touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him.  

Joe is survived by his wife Shirley (nee Mosier) of Pompton Lakes, NJ, one daughter Patrice Ackershoek and her husband Edward of Butler, NJ, one sister Margaret Sisco of Pompton Lakes, NJ, four grandchildren; Brittany Ackershoek of Bloomingdale, NJ, Matthew Ackershoek of West Milford, NJ, Kevin Sisco of Pompton Plains, NJ, and Jessica Sisco of Riverdale, NJ, two nieces; Jo-Ann Sisco of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and Linda Akowicz of Mayfield, NY, and one nephew Tom Sisco of Mayfield, NY.  Joe was predeceased by his son Joseph Sisco in 2004, and by his two brothers Thomas Sisco and Robert Sisco.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Joseph’s name are asked to consider St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959 http://www.stjude.org or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org