Joseph Proto

Joseph “Joe” Proto passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25 at his home in Springfield, NJ. He was 85.

Born Giuseppe “Pippo” Proto in Gagliano Castelferrato, Sicily on February 6, 1941, he lived in Catania, Sicily, a city he loved, for many years. It was while there that he became an upholster, which he continued to do for 60+ years. He made many beautiful pieces of furniture, and took great pride in his work.

In 1968, he moved to Irvington, NJ, joining his parents and younger brother, and many relatives who already resided here in NJ. He masterfully acclimated to life in the United States and became a proud citizen, but his fondness for his family and life in Sicily never wavered. After marrying his lovely wife, Teresa, he moved to Maplewood before settling in Springfield in 1993.

Although Joe was never one to bring attention to his challenges, he was born with a congenital heart defect and did not expect to live past 40. However, as a result of a successful heart valve implant surgery in his 30s and his very strong will, he survived another 50+ years and lived a very full life.

A lover of Neapolitan music, when Joe was healthy he could often be heard singing his favorite songs around the house. He enjoyed watching soccer, boxing, billiards, and bowling, and playing cards with friends at “the bar” in Orange, NJ. After retirement, he became fond of his daily walks on the Meisel track, often bragging about his completed daily laps.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Proto, with whom he shared 40 wonderful years of marriage, his two daughters, Marisa Proto and Francesca Proto, and a grandson, Xavier Noyola-Proto, to whom he was affectionately known as “Joe-no”. He is additionally survived by his brothers, Nicola Proto and his wife, Nuccia, Vincent "Enzo" Proto and his wife, Rosa, and his deceased brother Natalino’s wife, Pina. He was also a cherished uncle and great-uncle.

He is predeceased by his father, Gaetano Proto, his mother, Magnifica Proto (nee Ferrigno), and brother, Natalino Proto.

He will be remembered for his work ethic, his sense of humor, and his dedication to his family. He will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Joseph at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Wednesday, July 29 from 5 - 8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Church in Springfield at 10 AM. Entombment will follow at Hollywood Cemetery at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to NewYork-Presbyterian Milstein Division of Cardiology or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital