Joseph Francis Passanante

Joseph Francis Passanante, Jr., of Washington Township, passed away on October 10, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on Christmas Eve, 1947, "Joe" lived a life filled with laughter, song, and a deep love for family and friends.
A Philadelphia native and proud Eagle Scout, Joe lived by the values of loyalty, integrity, and kindness. He maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates from St. Ambrose School and LaSalle College High School and continued to forge new friendships in every stage of his life. Friends knew him affectionately as "Army Joe", the man who never met a stranger and never forgot a friend.
From childhood, Joe made music with his two best friends in their trio, The Hitchhikers, inspired by their favorite group, The Kingston Trio. The Hitchhikers appeared on Ted Mack and the Original Amateur Hour in 1965, and continued to make music together, alongside other childhood friends, collectively known as the "Real Men."
A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1971, Joe carried the Academy's values of Duty, Honor, and Country throughout his life. During his years at West Point, he was a cherished member of both the Glee Club and The Headliners, the Academy's five-person vocal combo. Joe and the West Point Glee Club appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Mike Douglas Show, and he and The Headliners were invited to perform at the White House for President Richard Nixon in 1971. His passion for music endured throughout his life-he was a natural entertainer, always ready with a guitar, a grin, and a song to share.
Joe was a devoted fan of all Philadelphia sports teams and a proud, outspoken hater of the Dallas Cowboys-a badge of honor he wore with humor and gusto.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. and Anna (Manzo) Passanante. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Florence (Sciscio) Passanante; his children, Lisa Passanante and Joseph F. Passanante III (Giovanna); and his brother, Dennis Passanante (Kathy). He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Michael and Karen Sciscio, and Lisa and Don Terch, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly. Among his many accomplishments, being "Dad" was perhaps his greatest. He will be remembered fondly by his children for his unwavering support for them (and for blasting their eardrums with the Kingston Trio for over 40 years).
A visitation will be held at Gardner Funeral Home in Runnemede, NJ on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 10-12pm followed by a memorial service at 12pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe's memory to "Tunnel to Towers" - https://dogood.t2t.org/give.
"And when our work is done, Our course on earth is run, May it be said, 'Well Done' Be Thou At Peace"