Joseph Lia

Joseph was born Buccheri, Sicily to Salvatore and Biaga Lia on May 12, 1922. He came to the America at the age of 8 and went to school in Bronx, NY. He married Joann Manzo on March 3, 1946 in New York City. He graduated from Needle Trades High School. He worked for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union for over 35 years, retiring as the Board Member for the First District of The United Brotherhood of Carpenters. He was a veteran of WWII and served in the Army for the duration of the war and left the military with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was involved in Big Brothers and the Knights of Columbus through the Catholic Church.

While living in Surf City, NJ, for over 50 years, he enjoyed boating, fishing and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, which was his greatest love.When he moved to Florida, he became a member of the Mary Help of Christians Parish in Parkland, FL. He also served on the HOA Board of Cypress Cay East for many years in Parkland. While in Parkland, he became known for making beautiful stain glass windows, lighthouses and jewelry boxes, most of which he gave away. He also enjoyed baking many loaves of bread each week, and sharing his homemade bread with his family, friends and neighbors in New Jersey and Florida.

Joseph is preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years Joann, his sisters and brothers, Grace Calisti, John Lia, Frank Lia and Ann Giannelli.

Joseph is survived by his children and their spouses, Joseph and Maureen Lia, John and Eileen Lia, Jeff and Marilyn Lia, and MaryAnn and Jasmine Lia. His grandchildren and their spouses Christopher and Antonella Lia and their children Michael and Matthew, Eric and Connie Lia and their children Alexa, Jack and Amanda, Justin and Lisa Lia and their children Hunter, Caylee, Samantha, Alexa, Marcella, and Colin, Jonathan and Adriana and their children Jackson, Nathan, and Gio, Courtney and Megan and their children Charlotte, Eloise and Theodore, Kathryn and Jeff Elias and their children Adrianna, Brenna, and Lia, Emmet and Stacey Lia and their children Mauve, and Hudson. Other grandchildren are Kyle Lia, Shawn Lia, and Michelle and Daryll Fawcett and their daughter Elysia.

Visitation will be at Kraeer Funeral Home 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida on Tuesday 4/22/25 from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Funeral services will be held Higgins Funeral Home 321 South Main Street, New City, NY on Saturday 4/26/25. Visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Higgins Funeral Home and a Mass, Services and Burial at Ascension Cemetery 650 Saddle River Road, Airmont, NY from 12:00 to 1:00.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St Judes Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital.