Joseph S. Fasso

Joseph Salvatore Fasso, 79, passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2025.

Born in Newark on August 10th,1946. Joe spent his early childhood in Newark and later moved to Belleville, NJ. He attended and graduated from Essex Catholic High School. He attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, for two years and attended Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ.

Joe began his career as a salesman with the EJ Brooks Company before following his passion for the outdoors, landscape design, and arboriculture. He owned and operated S&J Garden Center in Westfield for over 30 years before starting his own contracting company. Over the course of his career, Joe served on the Board of Agriculture at Rutgers Cook College and the Union County Board of Agriculture.

Joe cherished the game of golf from childhood. Though he often joked he wasn't the best golfer, he loved the sport wholeheartedly, a love that began when he caddied as a boy at the Forest Hill Field Club. In his adult years, he became a devoted member of the Roselle Golf Club, where he also served on the board.

Joe had an unmatched zest for life that was felt by all who knew him. Remembered for his humor, generosity, and vibrant spirit, he brought joy to every gathering and treated everyone with kindness and respect. He especially cherished time with his beloved companion and partner, Elaine; his stepdaughters, Amanda and Cindy; and a wide circle of friends he considered family.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, Salvatore Fasso and Lorraine Mary Henry Fasso, and his sister, Lynda Davis. Elaine Ross survives him, along with his stepdaughters, Cindy Ross and Amanda Ross, and her partner, Derrick Ward; his niece, Christie Della Sala, and her husband, Ralph; as well as extended family and many dear friends.

Joe will always be remembered by those who loved and cherished him. He loved to travel, especially to Aruba, Cabo, and Atlantic City. Sitting down to enjoy a great meal and an ice-cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc, but "only with a small pour". He reminds us to enjoy the simple things in life, live life with positivity and to the fullest. His energy and spirit were aspirational, and something we should all learn from Joe and strive to practice as we honor him. Joe's legacy lives on in the landscapes he built, the communities he served, and the countless lives he's touched with warmth and joy.

We have all been lucky to be loved by Joe and to love him in return. Joe leaves a lasting impact on everyone he encounters. Let's celebrate his life and always remember his infectious smile and energy.

In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Click here to make a donation.

A viewing will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lehrer Gibilisco Funeral Home, located at 275 West Milton Avenue in Rahway, NJ.

Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, located at 1100 E. Broad Street in Westfield, NJ.