Joseph Paul Mariano, of Woodbury Heights, NJ, passed away on October 19th, 2024 at the age of 85.

Born to the late Samuel and Erma (nee Schraison) on July 20th, 1939, in Lakehurst, NJ. Growing up, Joe attended Woodbury High School as graduating class of 1957. As Joe became an adult, he became the proud father of Michele (George) Ruppert and Jodie Mariano. As a family they spent summers in Sea Isle City, spent time on Joe's boat, and created holiday traditions the girls still carry on today, such as decorating their Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and attending evening candlelight service. The holidays were important to Joe as the family attended Bradley Beach to watch the 4th of July fireworks, carved pumpkins for Halloween, and dyed Easter eggs. Joe's world lit up when he became the proud grandpop of Tanner Joseph Ruppert, Carly Elizabeth Ruppert, Alexis Jo Mariano Thomas, and Morgan Alicia Ruppert. Joe loved spending as much time as he could with his grandkids, and attended every sports event, track, hockey, and softball, as long as he could find parking. He also traveled with the softball team on the weekends. Joe's by the book mentality gave his grandkids an abundance of advice, including not to drink because "Ugly girls stay ugly when you drink soda.". His grandkids can still hear his voice when he sang some of his quirky songs, such as "There's a hole in the bottom of the sea.", "che la luna mezzo mare.", & of course his famous "She's too fat for me.".

When Joe was not with his family, he could be found spending the weekends with his second family - "Thomas" family working on their cars or attending drag races at Atco raceway. He loved to take his boat out on the Delaware River. Also, spent weekends on the boat on the Sassafras River. One of Joe's passions was his guns, he worked at Bob's Little Sport Shop in the gun department at night. His friends and family would often tease him about when he'd go hunting in Pennsylvania, he never shot a deer because he didn't stay out long enough in the cold. Joe always wanted to be a part of his friends and family's life, he never said no to helping them out. He was always offering his wallet or credit card to anyone who needed it. When they needed something, he was always reliable. Joe never wanted anyone to worry about him, when someone asked how he was, he always answered “Excellent.”, because that's the kind of man he was, excellent. His social, charismatic personality allowed him to meet so many people through his time in St. John's Lutheran Church in Williamstown, NJ. He was a proud, active member of the church and community.

Joe was a proud retired police officer of Woodbury Heights, he volunteered at the Woodbury Heights Fire Station, was a US Navy Veteran, and was a current member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he taught navigation & boating safety to boaters. Joe was proud to protect and serve his country, particularly paying respects to the veterans of WWI & II, Korean War, and Vietnam War who fought tirelessly for our country. 

Joe will be remembered fondly for his charismatic, stubborn personality, and his heart of gold.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Joe's name to The NRA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joe's visitation on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024, from 10am - 11am, followed by a funeral mass at 11am in St. John's Lutheran Church, located at 1002 S. Main Street, Williamstown, NJ, 08094. Interment will immediately follow at Plainville United Methodist Church Cemetery, located at 3232 Main Road, Franklinville, NJ, 08322.