Joseph J Cricchio

Joseph John Cricchio, 96, of Toms River New Jersey, passed away on January 24, 2020 after a long and beautiful life. Joseph was born on December 9th, 1923 to Vincent and Mary Cricchio in Brooklyn NY. He was raised in New Jersey with his siblings, Rose, Mary, Adelaide, Anne and Vito.

Joseph, a World War II Veteran, enlisted in 1941 in to the Airforce where he proudly served his country for 4 years. He attained the rank of Corporal and served in the 880th Air ENGR Squadron. He trained as a USAAF Paratrooper and was a certified “Parachute Rigger” stationed in England and France. After his military service he enrolled at Empire Beauty School in NYC and worked on obtaining his license as a hairdresser. He met Lucille who was a hair model for the school, and they started their lifelong romance. Joseph and Lucille were married on October 16, 1949 and have been inseparable for 70 years. They bore and raised 3 children, Vincent, Susan and Diane.

Joseph enrolled in upholstery school and started what would become his lifelong career interrupted only by his entrepreneurial spirit in 1953. At which time Joseph, Lucille and his brother Vito pooled there skills together and opened J&V Donut shop in Brooklyn New York. With lines around the block it was a great success. Joseph then went on to become a master upholsterer, kicking off a dedicated 30-year career as a custom furniture craftsman. In 1962, they bought a home and relocated the family to East Northport, Long Island. Also that year, the first lady Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned "Fine Arts Decorators" to produce furniture for the White Houses’ Blue Room. Joseph worked on this project and signed his name underneath the furniture he made. Through the years he continued to make custom furniture for many celebrities.

Joseph loved music, especially opera and classical. As a boy he played the clarinet, and while on tour in World War II blew morning revelry. Later in his life he taught himself piano. His most beloved piece of piano music was "The Maidens Prayer”, Which he fondly remembered his mother playing on the family piano. Joseph was a true artist. He loved woodworking, fixing and creating things with his hands, and made most of the furniture in his home.

After retiring in 1985, Joe and Lucille roamed the United States and Canada by RV visiting many major parks and monuments. They also vacationed in Europe, China and Egypt. They joined the square-dancing club and he designed and made all of their beautiful costumes. He enjoyed gourmet cooking and old cowboy movies.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife Lucille Cricchio their three children, Vincent & wife Holly, daughters Susan & husband Ignatius Catapano and Diane, his grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph, Michael and great- grandson Enzo Catapano.

He will live on forever in our hearts.

Visitation : Sunday Febuary 9th 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Funeral Service : to follow 5:00pm

Quinn Hopping Funeral Home 26 Mule Rd Toms River NJ 08755-5028 www.Quinn-HoppingFH.com 732-240-3800

Military Service; Tuesday February 11th 10:00am

Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Arneytown Veteran Cemetery Service Bldg

350 Province line Road Wrightstown, New Jersey, 08562

609-758-7250

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Josephs memory can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/toms-river-nj/joseph-cricchio-9013181