Obituary of Joseph E. Kitchell

Joseph Edward Kitchell, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, October 6, 2023. He was 78. “Poppy”, as he was called by his six grandchildren, was a faithful son of God and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of thirty years, Carol Anne Kitchell (née Chiarolanzio).  He will continue to watch over his children, Kelly (Greensboro, NC), Kristin and CJ (Madison, NJ) and Christian (Jennifer – Holly Springs, NC) and his cherished grandchildren, Trevor, Joseph, Vincent, Shayne, Ava and Christopher. Joe is also survived by two brothers, Bill Kitchell & John Kitchell and his wife Maryann; one sister, Ann Izzo and her husband Joe; his brother-in-law, Joseph Chiarolanzio; two sisters-in-law, Roseann Kitchell & Mary Kitchell; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

In addition to his parents, Joe is predeceased by his brothers, Tommy Kitchell & Paul Kitchell; two sisters-in-law, Denny Kitchell and Toni Chiarolanzio. 

Joe was born in Summit on January 11, 1945 to the late Joseph Patrick Kitchell and Mary Agnes Kitchell (née Vibbert). He was raised in Madison with his five siblings and was a proud graduate of Madison High School class of 1963 where he was a football and wrestling Dodger. 

Joe served his country in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He received the Purple Heart and three Vietnam service medals. More recently he was presented an honor by the County of Morris for his distinguished military service. Joe was also an advocate for programs that supported veterans.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe became an electrician and joined the IBEW Local 581 in Parsippany. He was a talented electrician and mentored many colleagues as they learned the trade. Joe spent the majority of his career at Nordling, Dean Electric Company in Chatham before his retirement. 

Joe loved gardening and was an avid woodworker who enjoyed completing projects around his home. He was a long-time coach in the Madison Jr. Football program and a volunteer umpire in the Madison Little League. He loved attending all activities in which his grandchildren participated. Joe enjoyed golf and making home-made wine with his brothers-in law.

Joe lived a faith-filled life and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church. He was past officer and treasurer of the Madison-Florham Park Knights of Colombus #2248. 

Joe’s life was devoted to his family, he was especially proud to become a grandfather. He would help anyone in need and never expect a thing in return. Joe was extremely humble and a dedicated friend to many. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Joe on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment with military honors will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, please make charitable contributions in Joe’s memory to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN