Obituary of Joseph Critelli

BOONTON---Joseph F. "Joe" Critelli left his home on earth from complications following surgery early on the morning of Sunday, May 1, 2011. His godson Brett and cousin Bobby were by his side. He was born in Utica, NY to Frank and Florence "Minnie" Ruffo Critelli and spent his loving and idyllic childhood in Old Forge, NY where he graduated from Town of Webb High School. Following high school, Joe attended SUNY Brockport and also proudly served in the Army during the Korean War where he received an honorable discharge in 1955. Joe was known and loved by every person that ever had the pleasure of meeting him. With his quick wit, winning smile and endless stories, Joe was the epitome of "getting the party started." Since 1987, Joe was an automobile executive for Union County North Jersey Newspapers (NJN) Suburban News where he excelled even during tight economic times. He was acknowledged as the first automotive advertising salesperson to be elected to the Board of Directors for the Union County Automotive Dealers Association. In addition, Joe was involved in philanthropic efforts such as serving as an active member of Cancer Care of Elizabeth, NJ. Previous to working for NJN, Joe was a key sales executive for Gannett Newspapers in Manhattan. Joe will be remembered fondly by his close cousins, Loretta Grande Gaudin, Lenora Magnesio, Linda Barbaritano along with numerous nephews, nieces, friends and three godchildren. May his spirit help the sun shine a lttle brighter and continue to warm each and every heart that remembers being touched by him. We will miss you Critter! Friends and family in the Boonton area can pay their respects on Thursday, May 5th from 6-8 PM at the Mackey Funeral Home (mackeyfh.com), 107 Essex Ave., Boonton. (A reception hosted by the family will follow.) On Saturday, May 7th, visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. followed by a funeral mass at noon at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Utica, NY, followed by a reception at Ventura's Restaurant. Burial will be at St. Agnes Cemetery, Utica. Memorial contributions in Joe's name may be made to either the American Cancer Society, Northwest NJ Region, Suite 103, 7 Ridgedale Ave., Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 or the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, c/o Morristown Memorial Hospital, 100 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960