Born in Newark, he grew up in Belleville and continued to raise his family in the township until moving to Whippany in 1997.
Joe worked in the Carpet and Tile Industry for many years and spent his last 6 years with Classic Tile in Elizabeth. Needing something to do, he took a job with Champion Mortgage in Parsippany as a file clerk where he remained for 10 years until retiring in 2007.
He was a proud Navy veteran serving on the USS Missouri from 1951 – 1955 during the Korean War. Joe was a member of the USS Missouri Association, USS Navy Association and he was also a member of the Bloomfield Knights of Columbus.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Mary (nee Casale) and Joseph R. Meloia and brother, Ralph A. Meloia and sister-in-law Chickie Meloia.
He was the beloved husband of Rose Marie (nee Notare) Meloia, cherished father of Robin Marie Fopma and her husband Brian and Dawn Marie Meloia, loving brother of Carol LeMoult and her husband Rett, dear brother-in-law of Carmine Notare, Jr., Gerard Notare, Robert Notare and his wife Susan, Theresa Notare, and Vincenza Notare, and the adored Uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and in an effort to keep everyone safe, funeral services are being held privately by his immediate family on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Joe will be laid to rest in Gate of Heaven Chapel Mausoleum in East Hanover under the direction of the LaMonica Memorial Home in Livingston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor and memory to USSMissouri.org
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