Obituary of Joseph G. Lawless

Joseph G. Lawless, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on May 3, 1940, in Newark, Joe was the son of John “Jack” Lawless and Helen (Wurster) Lawless. He spent his early years in Newark before moving to Verona during sixth grade. He graduated eighth grade from Our Lady of the Lake in Verona.

Joe attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, where he distinguished himself as both a student and an athlete, serving as captain of the school’s golf team. He went on to attend Seton Hall University, where he was a founding member of the Delta Sigma Delta fraternity and earned his bachelor's degree in history.

A proud patriot, Joe served in the Marine Reserves from 1962-1968, during the Vietnam era.

Joseph devoted 33 years of service to the Essex County Probation Department in Newark, where he first worked as a probation officer and later as an administrator. Known for his calm demeanor and steady presence, he was respected by colleagues and those he served throughout his distinguished career.

An avid golfer, Joe enjoyed spending time on the course and later worked as a ranger at Pinch Brook Country Club after his retirement. His friends loved playing with him, even if it meant they often lost! He also enjoyed reading and loved completing crossword puzzles. He was quite a bibliophile and made weekly trips to the library to replenish his inventory. Above all, he cherished time with his family, especially his granddaughters, whom he adored and took care of from birth through late childhood.

Joe met the love of his life, Anne (Freda) Lawless, during the summer after he graduated from college. The couple married on June 19, 1965, and shared many loving years together. They spent many memorable times with family and close friends, travelling to Ireland and Italy, along with many other fun excursions. Joe and Anne were frequent visitors to Atlantic City, where his favorite game was 3-card poker. Their marriage was one of devotion, faith and love.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Anne Lawless; his son, Greg Lawless and his wife, Vicki; his daughter, Beth Jacobson and her husband, Greg; his cherished granddaughters, Kayla Jacobson and Becca Jacobson; his brother, William Lawless; and many nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as his devoted dog, Belle.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Reiser.

A quiet man of few words, Joe will be remembered for his humility, kindness, and steady presence. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose legacy of love and integrity will live on in all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Joe on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Saturday, March 21, 2026, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those who are unable to attend the mass in person, please visit www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

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

Charitable contributions may be made in Joe's memory to St. Benedict's Preparatory School, 520 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102 or St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center,  575 Woodland Ave, Madison, NJ 07940