Joseph A. Licata

Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 15, 1936, Joe was the son of Frederico Licata and Eleanor Fasano(nee Quartararo). Joe grew up in Brooklyn, NY and graduated Bishop Loughlin High School in 1955 and Pace University in 1959 where he majored in accounting. He lived in Queens, NY, and Chatham, NJ, before moving to Livingston.

It was in Brooklyn where he met the love of his life Kathryn Russo. They were married on June 27, 1959 and were married for 61 years.

Joe began his illustrious accounting career at SD Leidesdorf before starting his own accounting firm in 1978 where he continued working until his passing. In 1990, he merged with another firm, and Rayfield & Licata, CPAs was established. He worked tirelessly and proudly with his sons Joseph and Christopher and dedicated partners and staff for 35 years, together they shared a career and a life for which there was no equal. Their days together were interesting, challenging and rewarding for them and their clients. Their days were filled with joy, laughter and hard work.

His loyal and dedicated service to his trusted and lifelong clients was his greatest joy and satisfaction. He loved his work and continued going into the office up until his death. His innovative, skillful and tactical accounting ability earned him the trust of many and the respect of all.

His celebration of life, his wife and his large family were of paramount importance to Joe. He was loved by many people.

His volunteer work at the Columbus Citizens Foundation and on numerous charitable boards gave him great satisfaction.

His love of horses, good scotch, spaghetti, a good western book, and pinochle consumed most of his leisure time. Joe was always up for a good time, dining out with friends, caring for his wife, and discussing current events with his grandchildren. His marriage to Kathryn for 61 years was his greatest joy. Joe was all about his family and being surrounded by his grandchildren made him happiest.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathryn, his beloved sons Joseph and his wife, Carol , of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, and Christopher and his wife, Kristin, of Tewksbury, New Jersey and his 7 beloved and most cherished grandchildren, Alex, Olivia, Sofia, Ariana, CJ, Joseph and Talia.

Due to coronavirus concerns, services and burial will be private. The family will have a celebration memorial of Joe’s life in the spring of 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital