Obituary of Joseph A. Genoese

Joseph A. Genoese, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 18, 2025 with his loving family by his side. He was 88.

Joe is survived by five children: one son, Dominick “Nick” Genoese and his wife Sylvia of Boca Raton, FL; four daughters, Denise Barretti and her husband Joseph of Whippany, Val Friedman and her husband David of Madison, Jodi Hopkinson and her husband Willy of Avon-by-the-Sea & Liz Urbina and her husband Oscar of Apex, NC; twelve cherished grandchildren, AJ Ellis (Renee), Jen Walters (Donnie), Anthony Barretti (Caroline), Alessandra Donati (Mike), David Friedman II (Alena), Jared Friedman (Sarah), Jessica Van Orden (Doug), Ashley Gonzalez (Gabe), Nicholas Genoese, Will Hopkinson, Caitlin Hopkinson & Abbie Urbina; six cherished great-grandchildren, DJ, Tyler, Cole, Georgia, Lily & Natalie; many beloved nieces and nephews that were like children to Joe; and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Betty Mae Genoese in 2020; and his seven siblings, Vincent Genovese, Angelina Dixon, Michelina Ellis, Anthony Genovese, Dominick Genovese, John Genoese & Florence Long.

Joe was born in Madison on May 1, 1936 to the late Dominick and Josephine Genovese. He was raised on Center Street in a close-knit family with his seven siblings. After Joe graduated from Madison High School he enlisted in the United States Army where he served until his honorable discharge. As a young man in Madison his friends referred to him as “Joey G”.

Joe married Betty Mae Crawford, the love of his life, on April 4, 1959 at St. Vincent Martyr Church. Soon after their wedding Joe built a home for his young family at 10 Center Street, a few doors away from the house he grew up in. Joe’s family was everything to him and he was a wonderful husband and father. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Before retiring, Joe was an Executive Vice President of Operations with New York Life Insurance. He had a career at New York Life spanning over forty years, at their locations in New York City, New Providence, NJ and Clinton, NJ. Joe was well-respected and a mentor to many.

In their retirement Joe and Betty traveled extensively throughout the United States and created many wonderful memories together.

When he was not devoting time to his family and his career, Joe was an avid golfer and had a great group of lifelong golf friends that played on a regular basis. Joe was also a remarkable bowler, which earned him a chance to bowl on the American Bowling Congress Tour. Joe held many bowling records at Plaza Lanes in Madison, most notably bowling the first PERFECT “300” GAME on May 4, 1965 at 29 years old. He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus.

Joe lived a life of faith, hard-work, service and gratitude. He appreciated his family deeply and everything good that he was afforded in life. Joe never took anyone or anything for granted.

Although we will miss him beyond measure, we all take great solace in knowing that Joe is at peace with the Lord and has been reunited with Betty. He leaves behind a wonderful family legacy and his memory will be cherished for generations.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Joe on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025 followed by Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated 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, contributions may be made to St. Vincent Martyr Church or St. Gerard Majella School in memory of Joseph Genoese.