Joseph Garaffa

Joe was born in 1935 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey and was the 8th of 12 children. He served in the Army from 1953 through 1955 and was stationed in Alaska during the Korean War. Joe married Theresa Kelly in 1959 and they resided for the last 61 years in Union Beach.

He had a long, rewarding career as a Barber and was affectionately known as "Joe the Barber" amongst his many clients who all became friends. He had dozens of clients that came for "haircuts and humor" for 40 or more years with some being loyal for over 50 years! One of his most loyal customers came for his first haircut while preparing for his High School Prom. He remained loyal for decades and returned 55 years later while preparing for his own retirement party.

Joe continued to cut hair until he was 85 years old. He retired from his career as a Barber in 2021 after 67 years and the Asbury Park Press honored his career on the front page of their paper in May 2021. He celebrated his 90th birthday in August. Joe enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was always the first to arrive at any gathering. He also enjoyed gardening, his computer, listening to music, cooking and he also loved to play his guitar, sing, tell jokes and he was always ready with a funny story.

He was pre-deceased in 1999 by his wife of 40 years Theresa Kelly Garaffa, his mother Eleanor Matteucci Garaffa in 1994 and his father Samuel Garaffa in 1952 both of Perth Amboy. Joe was also pre-deceased by 8 of his siblings. John, Faust, William, Angelo, Rosemary, Eleanor, Alma and Jayne.

Joe is survived by his son Patrick and wife Laurie Garaffa, his son Daniel and wife Karen Garaffa and his daughter Jill Garaffa and husband Ari Golubov all of New Jersey.

Joe is also survived by his grandchildren Allison Garaffa Wilson and Mark Wilson, Joseph Garaffa and River Giberson, Emily Garaffa and Avery Mandeville, Melissa Garaffa, Michael Garaffa, Aidan Golubov, Nadia and Jon Perry.

Joe leaves behind his three great grandchildren - Norah & Henry Wilson and Levi Perry who all affectionately knew him as Grandpa, Poppy and Grandpa Joe.

Joe also leaves behind his 3 siblings Colette Garaffa DeFilippo, Arlene Garaffa Bellotti and husband Charles Bellotti, Fred Garaffa and wife Sandra Garaffa and also his sister in law Florence Garaffa and his brother-in-law Robert Mandy in addition to 33 nieces and nephews, countless grand nieces and nephews and numerous friends of many, many years. Joe will be deeply missed by all.

Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation for Joe on Wednesday February 18, 2026 from 4PM to 8PM at Day Funeral Home 361 Maple Place Keyport, New Jersey 07735, and again Thursday February 19, 2026 10AM at the funeral home with an 11AM Funeral Service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery of Keyport.

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