Joseph P. DeStefano

Joseph P. DeStefano, 88, of Brick, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Joseph on Friday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Galante Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Avenue in Caldwell. A Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church located at 28 Livingston Ave in Roseland at 12 noon, followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Born and raised in Orange, New Jersey, Joseph lived a life firmly rooted in family, dedication, and hard work. In 1970, he moved to Roseland, where he established lasting ties before settling in Mantoloking in 1990 – a place he grew to love and proudly call home.

Joseph was a skilled and meticulous appliance refinisher who owned and operated All Refinishing Specialists, taking great pride in his workmanship and commitment to quality. Later in life, he embarked on a second career in car sales, where he especially cherished the friendships and camaraderie he found at Beachwood Auto. Wherever Joseph went, he brought humor and a genuine ability to connect with others.

He found pleasure in life’s simple joys, including watching classic films, spending time with family, and admiring vintage automobiles. A lifelong enthusiast of classic cars, Joseph held a special fondness for Cadillacs, appreciating their timeless elegance and craftsmanship. He was also a devoted fan of his beloved New York Yankees, whom he followed faithfully throughout his life.

Above all, Joseph’s life was defined by his deep and enduring love for his wife, Barbara. Together for more than 70 devoted years, Joseph and Barbara (née Perrella) DeStefano shared a partnership grounded in loyalty and steadfast companionship, facing life’s joys and challenges side by side. Barbara predeceased Joseph, and her passing was a loss he felt deeply and one he carried with him throughout his final months without her.

Joseph was also predeceased by his brother, Anthony DeStefano, and by his son, Joseph V. DeStefano.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Lisa Cross, and her husband Gary. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Gary Cross, Jr., and his wife Dana; Michael Cross, and his wife Melissa; and Andrew Cross, and his wife Sarah. Joseph took immense pride in being a great-grandfather to Michael R., Julianna, John, James, Sloan, Dominic, and Greer, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.