Jose Stifano

September 6, 1938 – April 16, 2025

Jose Antonio Stifano, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and coach, passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old.

Born on September 6, 1938, in Montevideo, Uruguay, to Jose Stifano and Filomena Mira Stifano, Jose grew up alongside his sister, Maria Elen Stifano. From a young age, he displayed a remarkable talent and passion for soccer, which led him to play professionally for the Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club in Uruguay—an experience that marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to the game.

In 1964, he married the love of his life, Ana Maria, and together they welcomed their two children Sandra and Gustavo.

In 1968, he made the courageous decision to move to the United States, settling in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he built a life full of love, purpose, and community. A devoted family man, Jose was also a proud and loving “Abuelo” to Amanda, Nicholas, Anthony, and Anna.

Jose’s passion for soccer was the thread that wove through every chapter of his life. Whether on the field playing, coaching from the sidelines, or cheering on his favorite teams from the stands or television, the game brought him joy, pride, and lasting friendships. He was a well-known figure in the local soccer community, coaching for Elizabeth City, the Union Lancers, and volunteering his time and talent with Elizabeth High School.

Though his favorite soccer teams evolved over the years—often following the players he admired most—his enduring loyalties included the Uruguay national team, Barcelona, and the legendary Lionel Messi.

Jose will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his boundless energy on the soccer field, and the kindness and mentorship he offered to all who knew him. He is survived by his sister Maria Elen, his cherished wife Ana Maria, his daughter Sandra and her husband George, his four beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he shared. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation for Jose will be held Monday, April 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a funeral mass on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 9:00 am from the funeral home. Funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa RC Church, Kenilworth NJ, 10:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.