Joseph Spiteri

It’s with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Joseph Frank Spiteri, 91, of Toms River, New Jersey. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 29th 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was a selfless, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that put family first. He often shared that the best gift one can receive is just being together as a family.

Born on May 20, 1932, in Newark, New Jersey, to Joseph and Rose Spiteri, Joseph experienced a unique childhood. Although a native U.S. citizen, he spent about ten years of his early life stranded in Malta with his mother during World War II. Unable to return to the U.S. Joseph recounted tales of living through air raids and seeking shelter alongside the joyous times spent with his Maltese relatives, enjoying the island's beauty and adventurous cliff diving into the Mediterranean Sea. Most importantly Joseph treasured the education he received while in Malta and the discipline he learned from the Jesuit Priests. His love for Malta was profound, prompting him to return with his family later in life.

Upon returning to the U.S. he attended high school in Newark. While there, his father passed suddenly and he was forced to work full time to help support his family, obtaining his diploma at night. After graduating, he completed courses at Newark College of Engineering. Through determination, hard work, and self-education he became an Information Systems manager at Singer Kearfott in Totowa, New Jersey.

He loved fishing, crabbing, clamming, Atlantic City, playing cards and games, watching football, bowling, dancing (with his beloved wife Josephine), cooking and baking, and computers and technology. He joyfully shared these hobbies with family and friends, and especially with his grandchildren, whom he taught to cook and bake.

Joseph’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife of 65 years Josephine (née Malanga); his five children Donna Hirsh (David), Joseph Spiteri (Mary), Karen Riotto (Chuck), Debbie Soutter (George), and Wayne Spiteri (Jodi). He will be deeply missed by his 14 grandchildren Erika Dubray (Ryan), Jessica Coleman (Mark), Kristin Terrell (Max), Alaina Spiteri, Kaylee Spiteri, Alexander Riotto, Stephen Riotto (Sarah), Jenna Riotto, Evan Soutter (Andrea), Christopher Soutter, Hannah Soutter, Bailey Spiteri, Ashley Spiteri, Shayne Spiteri; and his five great-grandchildren Ethan, Nolan, Hayley, Nora and June.

Joseph Frank Spiteri’s life was marked by adventure, resilience, and love. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew him.

A celebration of Joseph’s life and a visitation for friends and family will be held, Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home 26 Mule Road Toms River, NJ 08755, Light food and refreshments will be available. A committal service with Military Honors will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 11:30 am at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery 350 Provinceline Road Wrightstown, NJ 08562.

In lieu of flowers in memory of Joseph please consider a donation to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

2361 Hylan Blvd.

Staten Island NY 10306

www.t2t.org

Or to:

National Veterans Foundation: https://nvf.org/veterans-donation

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can plant a memorial tree in memory of your loved one.

https://thetreesremember.com/memorial-trees/