Francese, Joseph H. age 83 of Totowa at rest in Wayne on June 9, 2026. Beloved husband of the late and former Judith Ann Willocks (2012). Loving father of Tracy A. Francese of Totowa and Joseph W. Francese of Totowa. Dear grandfather of A.J. and Cameron Francese. Brother of Linda Hughes & her husband Jack of Wayne and Donna Bourgeios & her husband Joseph of Zephyrhills, FL. Brother-in-law of Eileen Burgio of Totowa. Joseph was predeceased by his sister, Gaye Zisa and his brother-in-law, Carmen Burgio. Survivors include many nieces and nephews. Born in Paterson, Joseph lived in Totowa for most of his life. He was a Firefighter for the Paterson Fire Department for twenty-seven years before retiring in 1994. Joseph was also a member of the Teamsters Local # 560 and drove for Roadway Express. He served with the National Guard for 6 years. Joe was the rock of his family. He adored his beloved wife, Judy. They began dating when Judy was 13 and Joe was 15. Together they raised two children, Tracy and Joe who will miss their dad beyond words. His grandchildren A.J. and Cameron were the absolute lights of his life and he could often be seen with them on ball fields, in bowling alleys or at the Totowa Pool where he was also Pool Commissioner for a short period.

As a strong, brave, committed Paterson Firefighter, Joe enjoyed the light hearted side of the job too and he was the life of the party. He loved a good Wet Down, The Annual Firemen's Ball, and many conventions in both Wildwood and Cape May. His nephews who followed in his footsteps as volunteer firefighters could tell many interesting and funny stories about conventions over the years.

Joe was a proud member of the Totowa American Legion Post 227. He could often be found sitting in his favorite seat in front of his wife Judy's name plate. His many friends at the Legion will tell you that while in his later life Joe was quiet and introspective, he listened and heard everything and when he did make a comment on something it was most often extremely funny and right on point. He would never turn down a donut, a piece of cake, or ice cream if offered, even when mixed with beer. He loved all of the Legion events and worked many of them serving Hamburgers, Sausage and Peppers etc. Throughout his illness, one thing Joe never lost was his appetite and no one knew this more than Mike "Hickory" the Chef at the Legion who never failed to keep Joe in strong supply of his favorites like Chicken Salad, Egg Salad, Ravioli, Shrimp Cocktail and many other dishes while Joe was bouncing back and forth between the hospital and rehabilitation.

Throughout his 83 years, Joe created many outstanding life-long friendships. He loved his community and his neighbors. John and Linda "in the back" and more recently his Highview Ave Family of neighbors had become a great source of support during his illness and whenever assistance was needed, Joe and his family knew they could always rely on neighbors such as fellow firefighter Javi Tovar or his New Jersey State Trooper neighbors Anthony Navarro and Mariah Tovar. Joe's family will be eternally grateful for all of their help

Joe was a Past Master of the Hawthorne Masonic Lodge 212 F. & A. M, where he served many leadership roles and was a mentor to many DeMolay, a number of whom he still was in contact with over 40 years 

Joe enjoyed deep sea fishing with his fellow firefighter and also a group of friends from St Michael's Episcopal Church in Wayne where he was also a member of the church choir. He loved music and singing, He would shout out "Sing it Elvis" whenever Mr. Presley would come on the jukebox at the Legion. His faith in God was strong and he was at peace knowing he was going home to be with his creator.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. Friends may visit on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Paterson Firefighters Association, 300 McBride Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07501 and/or the American Legion Post #227, 180 Union Blvd,. Totowa, NJ 07512 would be greatly appreciated.