Joseph Jasterzbski

Joseph Jasterzbski, age 84, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2019 in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of friends and family.
Joe's presence was always felt for he was a man of his word and a source of strength and action. His passion and convictions were obvious with kindness at the core. His heart led his way throughout his life. Joe loved his country. Joe warmly referred to as "JAZZBOW" by his close childhood friends enlisted in the service immediately after graduating from Pope Pius High School in Clifton. He proudly served our country for a four year term during the Korean War. After his military service in the USA Air Force, as a jet mechanic, Joe worked state side as a welder for Elcon National in Totowa. Joe married his high school sweetheart. He cherished his wife, Julia Elizabeth. He loved her deeply and would speak her name with such endearment. His impeccable attention to every detail of Julia's care was noble and charming. Joe adored his sons. He welcomed every opportunity to be a part of their lives. Tom and Richard had the early influences of their dad's passion for fishing and hunting. As a father raising two sons, all three had a strong passion for the outdoors. As young boys, they fished the waters of the Musconetcong, Willowwemoc, and the Delaware River. Townsbury and Greenville were the fall and winter destinations in search of that Big Buck. The weekend routines evolved with the birth of grandchildren, and the retirement of Julia from nursing and Joe as General Manager of the Rise Louise Corporation. Montville, Wayne, South Jersey, Florida Keys, and Montauk became favorite spots where he spent time with his wife, parents Sophie and Joe, his sister Barbara, and his brother Butch and his wife Barbara, his sons, their wives Karen and Joni, and the grandkids and friends.
After retirement, Joe continued to be adventurous retaining the curiosity and energy of his youth. He traveled, enjoyed boating and flying and even wrote and produced songs with his grandson, Thomas Jr.
Joe cherished his time with his grandchildren, Thomas Joseph Jr. and his fiancé Natalie, Christina and her husband, Billy, Jennifer, Michele, and Cathryn and her husband Tom. He took advantage of every chance to be present for sporting events, school related activities and family occasions. Whether at a wrestling match, science fair or birthday, a field hockey game, school play, or Thanksgiving dinner, a baseball competition, a school fund raiser or graduation, a lacrosse tournament, field day or an anniversary celebration, a cheerleading competition, a Halloween parade or a Christmas party, a football scrimmage, an awards assembly or a wedding...Grandpa Joe was always there excited, active, and involved.
Joe was a man who deeply loved his family, always caring for those in his life with kindness and concern. 
"Your presence will always be felt as you hold a special, forever place in all our hearts. We love you."
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 1 - 3 PM at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. Father Mark from St. James Church in Totowa will officiate a service at 2:30 PM.