Obituary of Joseph Venezia

Joseph Venezia, 71, of Brick Township passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.  Joe was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.  He later lived in the New Dorp section of Staten Island and in Lexington, South Carolina, before settling in Howell, NJ, in 2017.  A proud member of the New York City Carpenters Union Local 45, Joe spent much of his career with Sorbara Construction Corporation working as a foreman on high-rise construction projects.  Joe had a remarkable talent for building and fixing just about anything.

He was always on the move, whether enjoying a round of golf, competing in bowling leagues, or more recently, taking up pickleball on the courts at Lions Head South. But above all, Joe’s greatest passion was fishing, whether casting a line from the beach or heading out on a boat, he was happiest trying to catch that big fish. 

Joe had a natural ability to light up any room he walked into. With his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, he was always the center of attention, making people laugh and feel at ease.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Lucy Venezia.  He is survived by his wife, of 38 years, Barbara; son, Joseph Venezia, Jr. and his wife, Alyssa of Freehold; daughter, Elyse Venezia and her fiancé, Damon DeCrescenzo of Marlboro; his granddaughter, Jenna Michelle; a brother, Nicholas Venezia, Jr. of Brick; sister, Lorraine Camardo and her husband, Anthony of Staten Island; nieces, Vanessa Reilly and her husband, Frankie of Staten Island and Jeannie Pine and her husband, Keith of Basking Ridge; and three great nephews who adored him.

All arrangements are private at this time under the direction of Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township.  For more information or to leave condolences to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.