Joseph F Nigro

Joseph Francis Nigro, 93, of Closter, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Extraordinarily kind and wickedly funny, he will be remembered for his love of family, his commitment to community, his storytelling, epic pizza bread, his amazing garden and his many shenanigans. Born on December 20, 1930 to Felicia (Casa) and Joseph Nigro, Joe grew up in New York City. He attended Haaren High School and then served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953, where he achieved the rank of corporal and was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroism in ground combat. Returning to New York, he embarked on a career with the New York Telephone Company, for whom he worked in all its various incarnations for over thirty years. Joe married Dorothy Fitzgerald in 1960, and they were happily married for 63 years. Together, they built a wonderful home and family. Moving to Closter in 1963, the family became members of St. Mary’s Church, eventually joining St. Therese parish in Cresskill. Joe and Dot were active participants and leaders in the Marriage Encounter program. Joe cultivated a backyard garden that grew every year and provided a bounty of delicious vegetables, always sowing a bumper crop of tomatoes. He also volunteered with the town’s recreation league including coaching the Junior League “Cahannas” baseball team. This was a natural continuation of a youth spent playing sports,including stickball, basketball and football, a passion he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Joe and Dot raised five children in Closter, and during that time, Joe attended and coached countless games - wrestling, softball, baseball, soccer and more- as well as school and scouting events. He was a devoted Dad and Poppy, continuing the tradition of being a superfan to every one of his beloved grandchildren, no matter what their endeavors were. Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Dorothy, and five children; Felicia Ballard, Virginia (Paul) Mickolajczyk, Joseph (Megan) Nigro, John (Wendy) Nigro and Beth (Steve Wilson) Nigro. He is also survived by his grandchildren, who adore him; Kaitlyn (Alex) and Christopher Connelly; Phoebe, Luke and Jake Ballard; Jack, Tim (Mars) and Sam Nigro, Sara and Rebecca Nigro, and Kimberly (Joe) Gilmore. He was predeceased by his parents, his dearest sister Rose and beloved brother Nicholas, and granddaughter Sophie Ballard. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews as well as extended family and countless friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. No one told a story, wore a chapeau, incited laughter, listened with kindness, cheered for and shouted at the Yankees, nor loved his family more, than Joe Nigro. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Closter Ambulance Corps , 72 Ruckman Road, Closter, New Jersey or to the Valerie Fund , 2101 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, New Jersey, 07040. 2101

Joseph F Nigro

January 7, 2024