Joseph F Matagrano

Joseph F. Matagrano, age 84 of Sayreville passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at JFK Medical Center in Edison surrounded by his loving family. Born in New York City, he had resided in Sayreville for many years. Before his retirement Joseph was employed by American Airlines in Newark for over 40 years and was also the owner of NJ Homes Realty. A US Army Veteran, Joseph served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He was a proud published author, he enjoyed playing chess and spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Joseph was someone truly special as he had an uncanny way of captivating a room with his stories. He would sit back and watch, and you'd almost forget he was there; then before you knew it, he had you wrapped around his every word. The best way to describe him, a man of few words who somehow always had so much to say.

For someone who sometimes seemed reserved, he was always dialed in. He knew exactly what you needed, whether it was a quick joke, a lunch run to the Chinese buffet, a few dollars for gas or a trip for his favorite root beer float. He could read you and give you just the right thing at the right time. He was truly loved by all and will be missed more than there are words to say.

He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Angelina Matagrano, his brothers, John and Frank Matagrano, his sisters, Rosie Lepurage and Erma Villani, and his wife Rita Ann Matagrano.

Surviving are his children and their spouses, Joanne Matagrano-Mullin (Harold), Barbara Vargas (Richard), Anthony Matagrano, and Rita Chigas (Kevin); his grandchildren, Christopher Matagrano (Lauren), along with Christopher's father, Erwin Pantel (Beth), Angelina Vargas, Anthony Vargas, Kyle Chigas and Kaitlyn Chigas; his great granddaughter Savannah James Matagrano; his siblings Theodore and Sal Matagrano, and Anna Conte; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and his best friend Kristen Farkas.

A funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, 12:30pm at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, 42 Main St, Sayreville, NJ 08872 with inurnment to follow at New Calvary Cemetery in Parlin.

All are invited to celebrate Joseph's life directly following located at A Salute Italian Restaurant 74 Main St Matawan.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Joseph's name to St Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Complete arrangements, directions, and messages of condolence to the family may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com.