Joseph P. Lefande

Joseph P. Lefande, age 77, of Barnegat, NJ passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ. 

Born June 24, 1946, he grew up in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, NY and later moved to Staten Island, NY.  Joe and Joann lived in Freehold, NJ for 37 years before settling in Barnegat, NJ in 2016. Joe was a graduate of Fordham University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam war from 1969 to 1974. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by CIT Group, Livingston, NJ as the Vice President of Accounts Payable for over 40 years. Joe was a very active member of his Paramount Escapes community where he was the Horseshoe champion and runner up in Bocce. He was a very devoted Catholic and member of St. Mary of the Pines parish. He loved music (especially Italian), was an avid dancer and was always the life of every party. He enjoyed travelling with his wife and family and generously took them on many trips over the years. He loved feeding and watching his fish in his getaway loft. He loved finding a good bargain and kept an abundance of supplies in every corner of the house. Joe was the ultimate optimist who never uttered a bad word about anyone.

Joe loved fully and opened his heart to his family and all of those he touched. His world was centered around his beloved wife Joann, whom he adored and coddled most lovingly. His children, son-in-law and grandchildren were his whole world. Anyone who knew Joe was touched by his genuine kindness, sincerity, humor, and love. To know him was to love him. If you wanted to pay him a compliment, he would always love to hear that he never aged and looked like a young man. 

He is predeceased by his parents, Mario and Rose (Solimando) Lefande and several other beloved family and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife Joann (Floridia) Lefande, his daughter Jeanine Meinster and her husband Eric, his son Darren Lefande, his sister Marion Pascale, his two granddaughters Amanda and Alexa Meinster, and his many extended family and friends who he loved dearly. It would be remiss not to mention his beloved grand-pups, Brody and Riley Meinster.