Obituary of Joseph W. DiRoma

Joseph W. DiRoma, 81 of Union passed away peacefully on April 23, 2020, surrounded by the love of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Louis DiRoma and Mary DiRoma (DeCicco), and his sister Lois “Cookie” Howard (DiRoma). He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Eileen (Fitzgerald) DiRoma; his children Susan DiRoma, Joseph DiRoma, Jr. (Lisa), Mary Cellitti (Amedeo), Colleen Tant (Jim), Shirley DiRoma, Jennifer Scelfo (Tom), and Sarah Revilla (Antonio); his grandchildren Katie, Matthew, Shyanne, Andrew, Jenna, Nicholas, Carli; his great granddaughter, Emma; and his sister Teresa DeVito (DiRoma). 

Joseph was a native of Maplewood and graduated from Columbia High School, where he was a standout football player.  He proudly served in the Army and attended Kean College. Joseph’s strong work ethic and hands-on nature was what inspired him to work for Millburn Township for 31 years as a greenskeeper for the town’s golf course. Joseph led by example with his integrity, his eternal optimism, and his unwavering devotion to his family.

As a devout Catholic, Joseph served the church throughout his life in different capacities and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a charitable man who contributed to many causes over his lifetime.   

He made the most of every day by always being active and ready to lend a helping hand. He was a great conversationalist who enjoyed making people laugh, he loved family vacations and Sunday dinners, he was the ultimate host - everyone was welcome and no one left hungry.  He enjoyed taking his grandchildren to historical landmarks and museums to share his passion for history.  He loved sports, exercising, housework, gardening, and collecting rare coins; he was a wealth of knowledge on virtually any subject, a stranger to none and a friend to all, a person you could always count on to do the right thing.

Many will remember Joseph for his generosity, concern for others, unconditional love, and countless acts of kindness. Family was by far his proudest honor of all and the legacy he built for so many years is forever imprinted in the lives of those he left behind.  He beamed at family gatherings and looked on with pride - a life fulfilled. He led a remarkable and meaningful life that he never took for granted. He was our guiding light and our hero.  Now he is our angel. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, 767 Prospect Street, Maplewood on Saturday September 19th at 11:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joseph DiRoma's memory to  Children's Specialized Hospital, Mountainside