Joseph Michael Karch

Joseph Michael Karch, 80, of Rahway passed away on December 20, 2022, surrounded by his family. He may have been called Joseph, Joe, Michael, Mike, Uncle Mike, or Pop-pop, but was loved by all.

He was born in 1942 in Elizabeth, NJ to the late Joseph Karch and Rose Marie Bartone. He spent his early childhood in Elizabeth, later moving to Union where he graduated from Union High School in 1960. After high school, he joined the Marines where he served until 1963 leaving as a Lance Corporal. He maintained his dedication and love of the Marine Corp for the rest of his life.

After returning to civilian life, he joined the police department in Union, NJ. During his time as a police officer, he met and married the love of his life, Carol Lee Rotella. They married in 1968 and remained deeply in love for the next 54 years. They had three sons, Joseph, Kevin, and Christopher.  

Mike continued to challenge himself and returned to school, earning an undergraduate degree from Kean University. Ultimately, he transitioned to a new role as the Manager of Ambulatory Care at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. Continuing his educational and career growth, he obtained a Master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health from NYU. He ultimately retired as a Risk Manager at AIG.

He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is predeceased by his father and mother, stepfather, Paul Morphy, sister, Paula Ann Pace, and brother, Paul Morphy Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, and three sons Joseph and wife Paige, Kevin and wife Wendy, and Christopher, his grandchildren, Owen, Noah, Brian, Amelia, and Sean, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is remembered as a “good person,” “special” to many, and a “bright light.”

Visitation will be Monday, December 26, 2022, from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm at the Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home located at 275 West Milton Ave in Rahway, NJ 07065. The funeral service will be Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 11:00am at St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church located at 244 Avenel St, Avenel, NJ 07001. Internment at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, 53 Inman Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church, 244 Avenel St, Avenel, NJ 07001.