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Joseph Ashby Obituary
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(Yes, we said his middle name-he's yelling about it somewhere right now)
Also known as Joe to many and Joey to the ones who were allowed, passed away far too soon, leaving behind more laughs, love, and unfinished jokes than we'll ever know what to do with.
Still alive and carrying forward his spirit (and probably his stubbornness) is his beloved son, Joseph Jr.,, his greatest joy, and the one person he loved more than anything-yes, even more than arguing about football.
He also leaves behind his father, William Ashby Sr.; his brothers, Will Jr. and Adam; and his baby sister Samantha-affectionately (and forever) known as Boohbah. Oh, and all their dogs-too many to name, and frankly, three legs, four legs, didn't matter-if it had a tail, it was getting a snack from Joe when no one was looking.
He was a son, a brother, a father, a best friend, a human laugh track, a late-night vent hotline, a meme machine, a shoulder to cry on, and a well-timed text when you didn't even know you needed one. He was a fierce hater of the Dallas Cowboys, an even fiercer supporter of the New York Giants (for better or worse), and the guy who could turn even the worst day into something worth smiling about.
What wasn't he?
He was so many things to so many people, in so many different ways. A walking paradox of loud opinions and quiet support, chaos and comfort. He impacted more lives than he ever realized, shining light into corners he didn't even know he reached.
His completely unexpected departure leaves behind a gaping and heartbreaking silence. But the greatest gift he gave us-and boy, did he give-is the reminder to love big, laugh hard and show up for your people.
So raise a glass, play some loud music, tell your favorite Joey story, hug your people, and remember: he wouldn't want tears-he'd want chaos, laughter, and probably a group text blowing up with memes in his honor.
We love you forever, Joe. And yes we used your middle name. Get over it.
Cremation was private.
A memorial gathering will take place Monday, May 5th from 4pm to 8pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave. Fanwood, NJ 07023. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Peggy Baxter
August 17, 2025
Joe lived in the apartment next to mine for a short while. Joe always had a kind word for me, an elderly woman old enough to be his grandmother...or great grandmother! He was gracious and respectful . I am saddened to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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Sadiyah
August 17, 2025
Condolences to the family and to his son. I'm very sad to hear this Joe was nothing but a gentleman, respectful and very kind. Taken way too soon.
Kari K
April 30, 2025
Joe is loved by so many people. I hope he feels and sees it wherever he is. He was also a polymath and the type to give you #%^* for using such a pretentious word in his honor. But seriously, he was good at so many things, knew about so many things, a super fast learner, and also an excellent teacher.
My best memories are our intense conversations about ethics, fashion, art, food, books, and life. As an artist, he felt, saw, and understood things so deeply. Joe was also so unselfconsciously fun. He reveled in whatever he was doing. He was also super sweet, and I loved seeing the innocent, caring side of him. He pushed me to finish things, to be more authentic. So grateful that my friend Will had his brother tag along and that we got to know each other.
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155 South Avenue, Fanwood, NJ 07023
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