Joseph A Gentesse Jr.

Beloved family man, Joseph A. Gentesse, Jr, age 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by
his loving family on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Joe was a cherished Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather,
Uncle, Coach and Friend.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie, his daughter Sue (Dan DeMarco), his daughter Barb (Jim Gluck
deceased), his daughter Patti (Steve Filiaci) and eight grandchildren: Sarah, Katie, Jimmy, Danny,
Jackie, Ally, Sophia and Matthew. He is also survived by his sister Eileen (Sam Alter) and nieces and
nephews: Rich, Marilyn, Joe, Christy, Kelly and Bobby.
Joe was born on Valentine’s Day in 1931 in Newark, NJ. He served in the United States Navy for 5
years, and is a veteran of the Korean war. He started his career as a police officer in Newark and later
worked for NJ Bell for 33 years.
Joe was married to the love of his life, Bonnie, for 58 years. They lived and raised their 3 daughters in
Union, NJ. They later moved to Fanwwod, NJ.
Joe had great faith and was an active member of his church. Joe volunteered at church, coached Union
Suffragettes softball, and enjoyed camping, gardening and reading the Bible. Most of all Joe loved
watching his grandchildren play sports, specifically softball, baseball, hockey, wrestling, basketball and
field hockey.
Friends and Family are welcome to join us from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, August 5th at the
Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield, NJ. Funeral service to be
held at the Funeral Home at 5:30.
In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. www.stjude.org