Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Farnese Obituary
Joseph T. Farnese, M.D., 66, of North Caldwell, New Jersey, passed away on July 2, 2023.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Robin Farnese, and cherished daughters, Nicole Farnese, Jacki Farnese and Alexa Farnese. Joe was a beloved brother to Dr. Jeffrey Farnese and his wife, Marlene, caring brother-in-law to Randy Mitchell and her husband, John, and Renee Ilaria and her fiance, Frank. Joe is also survived by his adoring mother-in-law, Dolores Ilaria, and dear nieces and nephews, James, Danielle, Jeffrey, Gabriella, Daniella and Alex.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Joseph Farnese, Jr., brothers, John "Jackie" Farnese and James "Jimmy" Farnese, and father-in-law, Robert Ilaria.
Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 1 pm-5:30 pm at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. Please keep a continuous flow during visitation to ensure everyone has an opportunity to pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to The Muscular Dystrophy Association, P.O. Box 97075, Washington, DC 20090-7075 or online at www.mda.org or to Alzheimer's New Jersey, 425 East Rock Avenue, Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068 or online at www.alznj.org. Please visit www.gaitamh.com for Joe's full obituary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Farnese
Sponsored by The Family.
Janice Aiello
December 18, 2024
Joe you are so missed. May you be resting peacefully in heaven.
Zoila
July 15, 2024
We will never forget you. RIP the best doctor and friend.
Philip Daniele
July 1, 2024
After a year has passed I still miss my doctor and dear friend may you rest in peace Dr Joe you will never be forgotten.
April Israeli
August 1, 2023
My children and I are heartbroken to hear about Dr. Joe’s tragic passing. He was so kind and caring, always. We will miss him dearly and send our deepest sympathies to his beautiful family and wonderful office staff. April Katz Israeli & family.
Peter & Laura Lorenz
July 13, 2023
We were sorry to hear about the untimely passing of Dr. Farnese. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
With Sorrow,
The Lorenz Family
Dr. Rahul Sood
July 12, 2023
Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for your family during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the all the beautiful memories that will remain with you always.
Dr. Rahul Sood and Team
Alyson Russo Angelini
July 12, 2023
Dr Farnese was far more to me than a doctor for over 30 years. He was like a father, a friend, a shoulder, a sounding board and a life saver. I have a hard time still speaking of all of the ways he helped me with my multitude of medical problems but the depression that often goes along with that. He knew just the right way to keep your chin up and eyes ahead without being dismissive. I spoke of him so often that my family and friends knew his name and had never met him. To say I relied on his presence in my life is an understatement.
His passing will leave a hole in my heart and life forever. I can´t imagine the pain and suffering of his beloved wife and daughters that always brought a smile to his face when he spoke of them. And to Jeff, of whom he was so excited and proud to have by his side every day- his kindness and caring lives on in you.
My prayers are with you all and the amazing staff that have supported him in doing what he did for so many for so long. I am externally grateful.
Kenneth Lesenko
July 11, 2023
Dr Joe was my wife´s, mine and my family doctor for close to.45-50 years
He was a wonderful man and I´m proud to say that he was a great friend
He will be deeply missed by us and all the people he touched
Joey's Angels
July 11, 2023
Our hearts are broken and it's not ever going to be the same without you. You will FOREVER be missed and LOVED!!
Zoila
July 11, 2023
I was Dr. Joe, a long time patient, over 32+ years.
He was a great doctor and an amazing friend.
He will be greatly missed, but I guess God needs a remarkable doctor, so he chose Dr. Joe.
We love you always
Arriaga-Rosario Family
Rose Pharmacy Team
July 11, 2023
Dear Dr. Farnese,
Along with the deep sorrow we feel in our hearts, we would like to express our respect and gratitude to you. The absence of a doctor like you is a great loss for the community and the medical profession.
We were delighted to have met you and benefited from your professional services. With your dedicated work, compassionate approach, and medical expertise, you touched the lives of many and healed them.
Your kindness, warmth, and smiling face have been an inspiration to those around you. The secure and supportive relationships you established with your patients reflected your love for your profession and your dedication to helping others.
We, as Rose Pharmacy, will always remember your name, and nothing can replace a doctor like you. Your memories filled with kindness and your legacy in the field of healthcare will live on and be carried in our hearts forever.
We hope your soul is at peace, and we will always remember you with gratitude.
With respect,
Rose Pharmacy Team
Cathy Daniele
July 10, 2023
Dr joe was the best. He was my Dr and my family´s for 32 years. He was excellent, caring. He will be missed. He had a heart of gold. I pray for his family. What a sad day.
Rhonda Cann
July 10, 2023
I´m so very sorry to hear of Dr Joe´s passing . He was a wonderful and compassionate doctor both Dr Joe and Dr Jeff . Prayers for his family .May he rest in Eternal Peace
Minnie Allen
July 10, 2023
My condolences to the farnese family. I will truly miss Dr Joe. I'm Minnie Allen one of his first patients when he opened his practice. He is such a strong loving man. I truly miss him. You all are in my prayers. God bless.
Janice Michele Farnese
July 10, 2023
Joe. Thank you for everything you did for our family. You will be so missed. We love you dearly. Janice and Michele Farnese
Sandra Gierner
July 10, 2023
So sorry to hear of Dr.Joe's passing is a patient of his brother Jeff but did see him on occasion. Wonderful man and family .May God hold them all in the palm of his hands and RIP Dr.Joe you will be missed
Tony and Pat Volpe
July 10, 2023
So, so sorry for the loss to your family. We are heartbroken for all of you. He was very loved.
Carol whittaker
July 10, 2023
We are so very sorry our condolences such a wonderful man wayne and Carol Whittaker
Gina
July 10, 2023
Here we are so many years ago.
Melvina Martinez
July 9, 2023
A great great doctor, a beautiful person.went above and beyond for his many patients. he is truly missed. my condolences and prayers to his family and friends.
Kurt Kaiser
July 9, 2023
You´ll forever be in my heart Dr.Joe !! You helped me in so many ways ! You are the kindest most caring person I´ll ever know! Rest in peace my dear friend !!
Philip Daniele
July 9, 2023
Dr Joe was more than a excellent doctor he was a compassionate Person . He was a friend he always payed attention to his patients and truly cared. He will be missed his kind words and warm smile will be forever be engraved in our hearts .My deepest condolences to his loved ones
Derek R
July 9, 2023
The best doctor I´ve ever had. He made appointments meaningful.
Patrick Conte, MD
July 9, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to all the family members. He will be missed dearly by everyone. I am happy to say that I am a colleague, friend, and patient of Doctor Joe.
Philip Daniele
July 9, 2023
Dr Joe was more than a Dr he was the most compassionate man I have known . He treated people like family my heart goes out to all of his loved ones Dr joe will always be in our hearts and his kind words will forever be in our memories RIP Dr
David Ulanet
July 9, 2023
My name is Dr. David Ulanet. I was a dentist for 46 years in Singac and I've know the Farnese family all of those years. I knew Joe when he just finished his residency. He came in to my office the day he finished to say hello. I had just gotten a splinter in my hand and was trying to get it out when Joe came in and said "Dave, let me do it - it will be my first surgery."
Let me tell you about Joe Farnese. He was my parents doctor, my brothers doc and remained our family doctor to this day. Looking back years ago Joe's office caught fire and he had nowhere to practice so I told him he could use my dental office along with me, to keep his practice going. We put up a trailer in my parking lot and we practiced together until his office was rebuilt. We were always best of friends and we had many of the same interests.
Years ago I had a race car and raced it at tracks. Joe would come with me occasionally and I would put him in my car in one of my racing suits and we spent the day enjoying and loving the speed. In fact, if you look in the hallways of his office there's a picture of Joe in my racing suit, leaning against my car. It's a picture I'll cherish for a lifetime in remembrance of my friend.
One day after we raced he said "Dave, can you find a Ferrari from your dealer for me because I love the feeling of being in these cars." Together we found the yellow Ferrari he loved so much.
He always called me his Jewish brother and I remember when he came with Robin and the girls to my house for my annual "Eastover" holiday - a combination of Easter and Passover.
His warmth and friendliness was always present and as a doctor there was no one that I could remember that had the great diagnostic ability that he always had. He was always there for me no matter whether he was in the middle of treating a patient and I was on the phone asking him a question about my health. As a doctor he built the most fabulous practice along with Jeffrey that served so many patients from near and far.
Everyone knew him as Dr Joe and when you went to the office you could see the fondness and respect that was in the office from his staff and patients. As a friend, I never went to the office when I didn't get a big hug and "hi Dave". He was truly my friend and was like a brother to me and I will miss him dearly. I'm sure he's with God and the Angels who will care for him with love.
Gina Dinnocenzio
July 9, 2023
I truly have no words. My heart breaks for the entire Farnese family. Dr joe was a mentor a friend and a truly compassionate doctor. He took me in as his medical asst and I am now an RN BSN 22 years later. I had the pleasure of taking care of his beautiful little girls loved him and his family. My deepest condolences. God surely Gained an Angel. God bless you Dr Joe Rest in eternal peace
David Ulanet
July 9, 2023
My name is Dr. David Ulanet. I was a dentist for 46 years in Little Falls and I knew the Farnese family all of those years. I knew Joe when he had just finished his residency and he came into my office the day he finished his residency to say hello. I had just gotten a splinter in my hand and was trying to get it out. He said "Dave, le me do it. It'll be my first surgery." Let me tell you about Dr. Farnese. He was my parents doctor, my brothers doc and remained our family doctor to this day.
Years ago his office caught fire and he had nowhere to practice. I told him he could use my dental office along with me to keep his practice going. We put a trailer in my parking lot and he used my office till his office was rebuilt.
We were always best of friends and we had many of the same interests. Many years ago I had a race car and raced it at racetracks where Joe would come with me. I would put him in my car with my racing suit and he loved the speed as much as I did. If you remember his office in the hallway is a picture of Joe in my racing suit, leaning against my car. A picture I will always cherish. In fact, one day after we raced he said "Dave, can you find me a Ferrari from your dealer?" We both found his yellow Ferrari that he loved so much.
I remember he called me his Jewish brother and I remember he came with Robin and the girls to my house for my annual Eastover - our combination of Easter and Passover.
As a doctor, my friend Joe built the fabulous practice, along with Jeffrey, that serves so many patients, near and far.
He was the best diagnostician I ever met and was always on the money with his treatment.
Everyone knew him as Dr. Joe and when you went to the office you could see the love and respect from his staff and patients.
As a friend, I never went to the office when I didn't get a hug hello and a voice saying "Hi Dave."
He was truly my friend and was like a brother to me. I will miss him dearly. I'm sure he's with God and the Angels who will care for him.
With love,
Clara Mcneill
July 9, 2023
At this time there is no words that can be said to ease the pain.i've been going to office near 40yrs. Doc was my sisters doctor until she passed ( Frances ).The compassion,the gentle care kindness,he came to the house when she wasn't able to make to office. always a smile always kind word.this will never be forgotten. to his wife and daughters you have my deepest sympathy. I know God is saying to him job well done my child. I will miss him.
Lorraine DeBellis
July 9, 2023
Dr Joe gave my husband and myself much love and compassion at our tender years. When we became home bound due to illnesses 10 years ago , he made house calls to our home back then. His warm and gentle care and loving happy nature made us forget our pain as he filled our lives with love and hope. He had God´s gift of bringing compassion, hope and peace to us. He cared for our daughter from her postpartum delivery of her twins at middle age to the present for so many of his specialties including special care after many of her surgeries . He genuinely cared about his patients. My daughter always called Dr Joe and Dr Jeff the treasures and hearts of Little Falls and they truly were , both such outstanding warm and caring doctors. Dr Joe will remain sincerely cherished within our hearts. Our condolences to his caring nursing team whom together with him and Dr Jeff made each patient feel like family. Our love and prayers to Dr Jeff whom continues the Farnese physical Legacy and our condolences to his family whom he often spoke of lovingly.
Dr Joe was and is God´s special angel. Forever missed.
Forever loved . Forever thankful to have had him as our doctor.
Cynthia Ketay
July 8, 2023
Dr Joseph was an angelic, compassionate , caring physician for my parents and myself throughout the decades . During this time , we were blessed to have him as our physician. He treated us all like family ; welcoming us with a warm smile; gentle demeanor , and giving the best professional care. He cared for a multitude of our health care needs directly within his warm & caring office. He was our pillar of strength ,always encouraging us in our medical , physical and emotional needs . Even awaiting his own surgery, he saw his patients to give comfort and care. We always felt and saw God´s faithful presence within his care and voice. He inspired us ; gave us courage and brought joy through his genuine kindness.
Our heartfelt prayers to his wonderful brother Dr Jeff whom shares the same beautiful demeanor and strong physicians principals , care and dedication towards his patients.
Dr Joe was so proud to share his practice with his brother Dr Jeff whom he loved so much .
Our love is extended to his special office staff and nurses , Josie , Janine , Maureen , Melissa (Michelle ) and Donna and (Jeanie)whom always reflected Dr Joe´s genuine care of his patients. Our sincere gratitude to his wife Robin, his daughters Jackie, Nicole and Alexa, you all were the the lights of his life ,we thank you for sharing your precious spouse and beautiful father with us all . He enriched our spirits and our lives immeasurably.
We are sincerely heartbroken along with you all. The tremendous love and amazing care Dr Joe gave remains a candle burning bright to all whose lives he touched. We will forever miss him and be thankful for the blessing of Dr Joe as our physician. God must have needed this very precious angel in heaven. All our sincere love and deepest prayers .
Peter J Picillo
July 8, 2023
Deeply Sorry for your loss.A good man and Doctor. Will miss seeing him in the office Peter and Michael
Swolek Family
July 8, 2023
Sending endless love and positivity to all affected by this huge loss to the world. May God be with Dr. Joe´s family, friends, and staff, even though he viewed and treated everyone as one big family. Dr. Joe, you will be missed. You were a phenomenal doctor but also a great, trustworthy friend. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your big family. Your loss shook the world for sure, but we all know you´re up there already making everyone laugh. Thank you again.
Bill Johnson
July 8, 2023
RIP Dr. Joe. You were one of real good ones.
Mariane Capko
July 8, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss . Dr Joe wa a special person .Dr. Joe helped my family for many years and he was a great doctor along with his brother Dr. Jeff. Dr Joe was a friend and a doctor to my father . My father loved going to the doctor to see Dr. Joe and that is what kept him healthy . He will be surely missed. Praying for his family .
Robert Bianco, M.D. and Pam
July 8, 2023
It is with a saddened heart of hearing of Joes passing. To all who knew and loved Joe, our deepest sympathies. Many fond memories as doctors in training, spending time with family and our first born. Hope to meet again on the other side my friend. Long live Joey Ramone!!!
Stephanie Guttenberg
July 8, 2023
I´ve know Dr Joe for many years calling on him as a pharma rep. He will truly be missed by all who knew him, kind, compassionate , and a great person. My heart goes out to the Farnese family & his work family.
Ms.Carol Ratliff
July 8, 2023
My sincere condolences to The entire Farnese family I had the privilege and honor of meeting Dr Joe over 32 years ago at St.joes hospital he was taking care of my Aunt Frances Diane Mcneill Jeffrey who he called(fran) I will never forget his honesty, care,concern,love he showed towards her until the very end not missing a beat, even though my heart is broken to know you're not here with us,I know for sure God now has the very best at his side (you)Dr.Joe!Thank you for being the angel everyone needed here. I Iove you AND WILL MISS YOU DEARLY.MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ROBIN,HIS DAUGHTERS,DR.JEFF AND HIS AMAZING STAFF I LOVE YOU. ALWAYS.MAY GOD COMFORT YOU. LOVE ALWAYS MS.CAROL RATLIFF AND FAMILY
Sandra Cittrich
July 8, 2023
We are so saddened by this although I didn´t have him as my Doctor I have his loving caring brother and I´m sure he was just the same. Our hearts go out to his family his brother Jeff and his friends and his staff sending thoughts and prayers to all Sandra and Dana Cittrich
George Costa
July 8, 2023
Dr Joe: A good,kind,and decent man,who represented the best qualities of The Human Race,and an extraordinary Physician!
The Costa Family,North Caldwell,NJ
Audrey Mc Neil
July 8, 2023
Dr. Joe was my sisters doctor nearly 30 years ago years ago. I never forgot the level of care and kindness he provided to her. We are sadden over this terrible loss. May the Farnese family find peace during this difficult time.
The Mc Neil Family
Danielle Gulla
July 8, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief and
May his memory be eternal . Dr. Joe was one in a billion.
Michelle
July 7, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Elise Gurmankin
July 7, 2023
Im a woman in her 70´s with multiple medical complications. I finally found Dr Joe. A wonderful, compassionate, generous, caring man, who instilled such trust in his patients. A quality that isn´t taught in medical school, Dr Joe exemplified it! I am so broken-hearted over his loss! My heart goes out to his immediate family, his office family and his family of patients! Wishing you peace and wonderful memories in the weeks and months ahead. He will forever be missed.
Stephanie McDonald
July 7, 2023
I know Dr.Joe for many years he was my dad's doctor first and then my whole family went to him for the last 30 + years
He was an exceptional person kind and treated you like you were family he will be missed by all forever. I send condolences to his wife and children also to his brother Dr Jeff and Marlene RIP prayers to all his family.
Robert Bianco, M.D. and Pam
July 7, 2023
To all who knew And loved Joe, our deepest sympathies. It is with a saddened heart of hearing of Joes passing. Many fond memories as doctors in training, becoming good friends, sharing time with our first born children. He was a true soul, one of a kind. Long live Joey Ramone!
Frank and Carolann Donato
July 7, 2023
For all the things, big and small, that he has done for all of us, let us all pause for a moment in tearful tribute to Doctor Joe. He is forever in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.
Frank and Carolann Donato
July 7, 2023
Dr Joe was an exceptional doctor, going above and beyond for all of his patients. He was a wonderful man, helping so many in so many ways, asking nothing in return. He will forever be in our thoughts, our prayers and our hearts.
Dan Fetterman
July 7, 2023
I´m so saddened by this news. Dr Joe was one of the kindest and most compassionate Dr I have ever had. I could go in feeling terrible and leave with a smile. It felt like a visit with an old friend. I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to all who lost this one of a kind man, Dr and friend. He was a true angel on earth as he is now in heaven.
Kelly Zichelli
July 7, 2023
Dr. Joe was not only a great Dr to me and my family for many years , he was also a wonderful person . Caring , funny and will be forever missed . Our deepest sympathies .
The Zichelli Family
Richard Sierchio
July 7, 2023
Dr Joe was our entire family’s doctor for well over 30 years. He always made sure my elderly parents were able to get in or he came to them. He was gentle, kind and compassionate. I traveled over an hour each way to see him for my appointments. We are devastated to hear this horrible news for such an amazing person. RIP Dr Joe. You will be remembered & missed
Christine Huntington
July 7, 2023
Sharing condolences from the Huntington family. No greater loss than those who lived and loved life and cared for others.
Susie Walp
July 7, 2023
This is heartbreaking. As one of his pharma reps, I knew Dr. Joe on and off for 20 years. He was an amazing person. Such a tremendous loss.
Susan Bordino Perricone
July 7, 2023
I am so very sorry to hear of Dr Joe´s passing. I was one of his first patients when he opened his practice. He was the kindest and the most caring of doctors. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Nick Mastrandrea
July 7, 2023
I have been a patient of Dr Joe since I am 25. I am now 58. I considered him a friend and I looked forward to seeing him. Dr Joe was a wonderful man and I will forever miss him.
Tom Belbey
July 7, 2023
"Dr. Joe"... I'll miss our talks... May you have CAVU always....
tom Belbey
Edward Meidhof and Gail Meidhof
July 7, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Farnese's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Joseph Farnese
Jul
9
Memorial Gathering
1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Gaita Memorial Home154 Newark Pompton Tpke, Little Falls, NJ 07424
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Farnese's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
