Jesse Gesualdo

Jesse Joseph Gesualdo, 75, of Port Monmouth, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025. Born in Newark and raised in the Madison Park neighborhood of Old Bridge where he graduated high school, Jesse proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. In 1973, he settled in Port Monmouth, Middletown, where he built a life rooted in love, creativity, and service.
Known as "Joe" to many, Jesse led a rich and varied career. He began as a skilled plastic fabricator, contributing to major projects for companies such as RCA and Bell Works. He later devoted more than 30 years to the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Middletown, where he became a familiar and friendly presence. Even after retiring in 2018, Joe's positive impact on the community endured.
Joe was a lifelong artist and storyteller. He expressed his creativity through painting, drawing, carving, photography, and writing whimsical stories like The Smarty Bean, which can still be found on YouTube today. His artistic gifts brought joy to those around him, especially his family. He was also an avid gamer, a hobby he happily shared with his sons and grandchildren.
Joe will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and deep love for his family. Whether he was caring for animals, sharing a laugh, or offering a helping hand, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Anita Lauro Gesualdo; his children: Jessica Gesualdo, Amanda (James) Martin, Jennifer (Jeremy) Lipari, Joseph (Maggie) Gesualdo, Michael Gesualdo, and Kevin Gesualdo; and his ten grandchildren: Elizabeth, Joshua, Gavin, Austin, Patrick, Matthew, Devin, Annie, Westin, and Hannah. Each of them held a special place in his heart and will carry his memory forward with love. He is also survived by his niece Heather (Michael) Tumbleson, his nephew David Kerchner, and their families.
Joe was predeceased by his beloved parents, Marie-Louise and Lewis Gesualdo, and his infant grandson, Milo.
Jesse's legacy of love, creativity, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 5-8 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. Funeral services are scheduled for 7:30 pm at the funeral home during visitation.