Joseph Manuel Vigil Rosado

Joseph Vigil "Jo Jo" "Vigee" "Mista Vigil" "the Vig" was a man of deep faith, resilience, generosity, and joy, whose life reflected quiet strength, hard work, and unconditional love for people and animals alike.

Joe was born into a deeply spiritual family. His parents, Ramon Vicente Vigil Delgado (March 14, 1916 - March 23, 1994) and Romana Rosado Vigil (November 3, 1911 - August 1, 1987), raised their children grounded in faith and service. Joe's mother was well known in her church and community for praying over those in need, and her unwavering belief in God shaped Joe's own strong and enduring faith.

As a young child, Joe was diagnosed with polio and spent three years hospitalized in New York. Doctors doubted he would ever walk again—but they underestimated both the power of prayer and the strength of a Vigil. Joe not only walked again, but he ran, skipped, jumped, and rode his stick pony all over New York City in his cowboy boots and hat, living proof of perseverance and faith.

Joe attended Otis Junior High School. Then Graduated Bronx Vocational High School and Alfred E. Smith High School in June 1962. He received the certificate for Merit of Excellent Record in punctuality all 4 years of high school, along with the Student Trainer award for completion in the Cramer Extension program for prevention of athletic injuries.
He was certified with the American Cross for C.p.r. and Advanced Lifesaving Water Rescue/Safety

Ahead of his time, Joe was deeply health-conscious and physically active. In his younger years, he participated in bodybuilding events, rode his motorcycle across the country, and traveled often. He worked as a fitness instructor and massage therapist at Mike Dolan's in Spring Lake, New Jersey, and was a true entrepreneur. Over the years, he successfully owned and operated several businesses, including his own massage practice, a limousine service, a painting business, and a power-washing business.

As Joe grew older, his focus shifted to stability and providing for his family. He worked for the Sea Girt Board of Education, where he dedicated 25 years of service as a janitor and retired on June 30, 2010.

Joe loved music and community. He had a small collection of harmonicas, and he and his late wife were devoted "band groupies," spending weekends supporting local musicians and enjoying live performances. In later years, Joe became very active in his church and its food pantry, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others.

His compassion extended beyond people. For more than 20 years, Joe faithfully fed an "army" of wildlife in his backyard twice a day. His home was often a refuge for stray cats, dogs, and even farm animals. One animal held a particularly special place in his heart—Dominic the donkey—and it brings comfort to imagine Dominic joyfully honking Joe's arrival at the gates of heaven.

Joe lived his life selflessly. He opened his heart, his home, and his wallet to anyone in need. He believed everyone deserved a chance and that with a helping hand, people could become anything they wanted to be. Hardworking and optimistic, Joe remained genuinely happy despite every challenge he faced.

In adulthood, Joe was diagnosed with kidney disease, which he initially controlled through diet and exercise. When his kidneys eventually failed, he made the courageous decision to decline a transplant and instead committed to dialysis three times a week for 14 years. Dialysis took a toll on his body, leading to congestive heart failure—but it never diminished his spirit or resolve. Joe met every obstacle with strength, grace, determination, and humour. He loved to make everyone laugh.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Maria Antonia Vigil (1935-1937) and Cruz Zoraida Vigil (May 2, 1943 - January 20, 2023); his second wife Theresa Sellarole Vigil (November 21, 1951 - July 13, 2014); and his nephew David Vigil (May 23, 1973 - August 10, 2016).

He is survived by his loving family
his son Joseph Vigil and daughter-in-law Christine of Toms River, New Jersey;
his granddaughter Jaclyn Nolan, her husband John, and grand puppy Ellie of Howell, New Jersey,
his grandson Nicholas Vigil of Toms River, New Jersey;
his brothers Raymond Vigil and wife Krista of New York, and David Raymond Vigil of New Jersey;
his sister Maria De Los Angeles Vigil of New York;
his first wife, Marie Dean of Florida;
and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to many, many friends who became extended family.

Joe's life was a testament to faith, resilience, kindness, and the belief that love and generosity can change the world. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him

Please join us on Feb 14th 2026, in a prayer service at his church, Cedar Run Assembly of God, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Afterward, we are going to celebrate his life at Stafford Diner, 4:00pm-6:00 pm