Obituary of Joseph R. Sodano

Joseph R. Sodano, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Morristown Medical Center. He was 90 years old.

Born on November 9, 1935, in Montclair, Joseph was the beloved son of the late Dominic Sodano and Josephine Amato. He grew up in Montclair before moving to Madison with his family in the late 1960s, where he remained a devoted member of the community for many years.

Joseph dedicated 42 years of his career to PSE&G, working as an Inspector in the Gas Department. His strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment earned him the respect of his coworkers throughout his long career.

Family was the center of Joseph’s life. He met the love of his life, Carol, through a mutual friend, and they were married on November 22, 1958. Together they built a loving home and shared many happy years before Carol’s passing. Joseph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He loved visiting casinos and playing poker and was an avid fan of Joe DiMaggio and the New York Yankees. One of his favorite pastimes was relaxing on his front porch, where he enjoyed watching the neighborhood and visiting with family and friends. As the last surviving of nine siblings, Joseph treasured his large extended family and the memories they shared over the years.

Joseph is survived by his loving sons, Patrick Sodano (Donna), Joseph Sodano (Brenda), and Dominick Sodano. He is also survived by his cherished granddaughters, Rebecca, Nicole, Haley, and Samantha; his treasured great-granddaughter, Giavanna; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Carol Sodano, Joseph was predeceased by his granddaughter, Victoria; his brothers, Patrick, Andrew, Anthony, and Michael Sodano; and his sisters, Anne Fontana, Mary LoSapio, Lucy Mendez, and Rose Sodano.

Joseph will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his quiet strength, his hardworking nature, and his warm, welcoming presence. Whether gathered around a card table, cheering on the Yankees, or simply sitting on his front porch enjoying the day, he found happiness in life’s simple moments. His kindness, love, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Joseph held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 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 at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those who are unable to attend the mass in person, you may view it at www.svmcnj.org

Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 29 Prospect St, Madison, NJ 07940, or to the Madison Police Department, 62 Kings Rd, Madison, NJ 07940.