Joseph A. Caracciolo

Joseph A. Caracciolo, longtime resident of the Hilltop section of Blackwood, NJ, passed away November 8, 2024, at the age of 86 years. Born in Blue Anchor, NJ on August 29. 1938 to the late Angelo and the late Ursula "Susan" Caracciolo (nee Caporale). His mother died when he was three years old, and he was subsequently raised by his aunts in Hammonton and was affectionately known as Joe Joe.
His father moved the family to Blackwood in 1950 where he grew up with his brother Angelo on Pennsylvania Avenue. Joe developed a love of baseball with his best friend Rich Calabrese and went on to play for the legendary coach Russ Spicer at Haddonfield High School. After graduating from high school, he enlisted and spent three years in the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged in 1962.
Upon returning to Blackwood, he met and fell in love with his wife Jeanne (nee Basara). The early years of their marriage were spent on Friday night card games with his brother Angelo and his wife Kay. Joe and Jeanne raised their three boys in Hilltop where Joe resided until his passing. They were together for over 60 years prior to her passing in 2022. With his three boys Joe became a fixture in the local sports scene, devoting his time to Blackwood Kiwanis baseball and due to his leadership at the Blenheim Athletic Association, helped with the inception of the Gloucester Township Midget Football in 1972.
Joe was dedicated to local politics in the 1970s and served on the board of the GTMUA. Joe was proud President of the Blenheim Athletic Association from 1966 through 1978. Joe was a retired salesman of Camden Tool in Camden NJ where he proudly served for decades.
His proudest moments were as Pop Pop, singing and dancing to his seven grandchildren, carrying them and later giving them rides wherever they needed to go. The back room of his house is a memorial to their artwork, creativity and fun times spent endlessly being spoiled by his time and devotion.
After Jeanne's passing, he honored her memory with the Daily Mass on EWTN with his rosary and prayer book in hand. Joe died peacefully in his recliner just as he had wished in his own home.
Joe was the beloved father of Joseph K. Caracciolo, of Blackwood, NJ, Philip Caracciolo (Angela), of Haddon Heights, NJ, and the late Daniel J. Caracciolo (the late Kim). Proud grandfather of Christina, Marissa, Anna, Danielle, Philip, Daniel, and Christopher, great-grandfather of Tristan, Genevieve, Dean, Hazel, Raylan, and Lucas. Dear brother of Wendy Boyer, the late Antoinette Hanson (Richard, surviving), the late Angelo Caracciolo, and the late Baby Rita Caracciolo; brother-in-law of Eileen Basara, Robert Basara (Nancy), Brian Basara (Bonnie), Chester Basara (Kathy), and the late Jackie Cassidy (Bill)
Viewings will be Thursday, November 21, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Earle Funeral Home, 122 W. Church St., Blackwood, NJ 08012, and again Friday, November 22, 2024, from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at Our Lady of Hope Parish/St. Agnes Church, 701 Little Gloucester Rd., Blackwood, NJ 08012, where his Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory would be appreciated to Our Lady of Hope Parish, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012. Condolences may be shared at www.earlefuneralhome.com
*