Joseph Gigantino

Joseph Gigantino, 66 of Toms River, formerly of Newark passed away at home on April 9, 2026.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Joseph at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Tuesday April 14 from 3-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newark on Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Born in Newark, Joseph was a longtime resident of Malvern Street in the Ironbound section until moving to Toms River in 2020. Joseph loved his neighborhood, and it wasn't easy to convince him to move away and leave behind his favorite restaurant, Café Italia.

Joseph worked as a mechanic for the NJ Department of Transportation until his retirement ten years ago. He enjoyed his work as a bouncer on weekends, and coordinated many single's nights and dances for various organizations throughout the years.

The devoted son of Lucy (nee Policastro) and the late Alfred Gigantino, Joseph was the loving brother of MaryAnn Gigantino and her husband Jason Novak; cherished cousins Betty Deo, Joey Policastro, Anthony Policastro, Pat Policastro, MaryAnn Kaspereen, Frances Golub, Lori Vendetti, Leonor Lipari and Joe Lipari. He is also survived by his lifelong friend Kathy Iwanyshyn; and Gerard and Jeri-Ann Melillo, who were like a brother and sister to him.