Joseph A Bigelow

Joseph Adam Bigelow of Manchester, NJ passed away on December 3, 2025. He was born on August 9, 1946 to Josephine and Louis Bigelow in Artesia, CA and grew up in West New York, NJ and Cliffside Park, NJ. He lived for many years in Kearny, NJ where he served two terms as a Town Councilman. Joe was employed by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority for 31 years as a mason and eventually as a work supervisor. He oversaw construction and repair projects, coordinating carpentry, welding, plumbing, and electrical workers.

In his youth, Joe was a semi-pro hockey player in the NY Metropolitan and Ranger Junior Leagues and subsequently continued playing in a league for older adults. He loved skiing and was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed cooking, especially seafood dishes, and had a soft heart for animals. It was not unusual for him to bring an animal home on occasion. He was a member of the St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus Council #6928, the Whitehead Lodge Masonic Temple in Cliffside Park, and Local 194 of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, where he served as a shop steward.

After moving to a retirement community in Manchester, Joe joined and was active in many clubs and activities, including serving as an instructor for water aerobics classes, heading up the Pool Committee, and participating onstage for the Performing Arts Club. He always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and his many friends.

Joe is survived by Gina, his wife of 51 years, by the two sons that he raised, Rick and Tang, and by his four grandchildren, Connor, Amy, Julie, and Ivan. He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Josephine, and by his three siblings, Louis, Adam and Marylou.

A viewing for Joe will be held on Monday, December 8 between 3:00 and 7:00 PM at the Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:15 AM on Tuesday, December 9 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road in Toms River, NJ. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road in North Arlington, NJ. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the St Vincent de Paul Society of St Luke's Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road in Toms River, NJ 08755.