Joseph Stinziano

Joseph A. Stinziano, age 88, a man whose bright colored outfits and even brighter spirit could light up any room, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Oak Park, Illinois. Joe had resided in Wayne, NJ, for much of his life before moving briefly to Wanaque, NJ, and then to Oak Park in 2017.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, in 1937, Joe graduated from Ferris High School, where he discovered his passion for music and maybe even a little mischief. Joe played drums for more than ten years with “The Tunesters,” touring across the country and holding a three-year residency in Las Vegas during the late 1950s and early 1960s. On one particular occasion, he returned home late at night from a lengthy tour and was unable to get into his parent’s home, so he slept on the porch. In the morning, his mother discovered him there and didn’t recognize him. Thinking he was vagrant, she proceeded to yell and call the police! One of his greatest musical influences was Frank Sinatra, and Joe remained a loyal fan of his music “Saturdays with Sinatra” throughout the house for many years. 

After retiring from the music scene, Joe became a general contractor and painter in the Jersey City area before making a bold move in mid-life: he went to college, eventually earning his Master’s Degree in Teaching. Joe began teaching special education at Passaic County Vo-Tech High School in the 1970’s, where he created a “life skills” curriculum for deaf students that continues to be used today, a legacy that made him deeply proud. Joe loved being a teacher, and his students benefited from the same warmth, humor, and a firm belief that anything was possible. He retired from teaching in 2005.

It was at Passaic County Vo-Tech High School that Joe met the love of his life, Ellen. He used a corny pickup line to convince her to join him for lunch, and so began their romance. It only took thirteen years of courtship before Joe asked Ellen to marry him, and they tied the knot on July 27, 2003, followed by a honeymoon aboard a Caribbean cruise. They enjoyed cruising so much that they’ve embarked on more than one hundred cruises to ports all around the world. This year they’ve already enjoyed three cruises and had three more booked in the coming months. Joe would often pack his suitcase about thirty minutes before leaving the house, filling it with his ‘cruise clothes’ which included the most outlandish outfits of crazy shirts, patterned pants, and bright colored belts. His attire only served to enhance his already-exuberant persona.

Joe could certainly be described as a big dreamer, always believing in the impossible. His purpose was simple; to make people smile. He brought a special energy, fun, and chaos wherever he went, and there was never a dull moment when Joe was around. In order to provide a great environment for all the family fun, Joe and his sons built a huge party room, where Joe hosted and held court over many memorable parties.  He spent weeks planning the menu and choosing the perfect décor, and he cooked everything to perfection. Joe truly loved his family, believing that time spent with loved ones was the most important gift in life. He is a testament to living boldly, loving deeply, and finding joy in everyday moments. His family and friends will forever remember the way he could turn an ordinary day into something special, simply by showing up as himself.

He was also a “master putzer” who loved to tinker and fix things around the house—though finishing projects was never as important to him as the joy of starting them. Most of his projects would reach a point of ‘nearly complete,’ and that’s where they would remain. He’s left little reminders of his handiwork all over the place.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his wife Ellen of Oak Park, IL., his two sons; Joseph Stinziano and his wife Laura of Wayne, Mark Stinziano and his wife Kelly of Hewitt, his daughter Julie Cantrell and her husband Mike of Missouri, one brother; Dennis Stinziano and his wife Patricia of Hollywood, FL, his cherished grandchildren who all called him Pop-Pop: Joseph, Jaclyn, Donna, Donald, Philip, and Phylicia Stinziano and Ferris Cantrel, many friends, former students, and all those whose lives he touched with his humor and kindness. Joe was predeceased by his parents: John and Rose Stinziano; his five beloved sisters and two dear brothers: Theresa Sucato, Anna Kachnowski, Jeanette Quarterbosh, Rosemary Falcone,  Josephine Lombardi, Dominick and John Stinziano; and his former wives Patricia Brunning and Donna Cortese.  

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In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to Wounded Warriors or to The Maria Costanzo DeBenedetto Memorial Foundation (find Foundation on PayPal, or by check mailed to MCDM Foundation, 19 Point Road, Wayne, NJ  07470.