Joseph C. Balsamo, 77, of Belford, passed away peacefully Oct. 3. Joseph was born March 2, 1942 and
was raised in Port Monmouth. He was the son of the late Elizabeth and Joseph Balsamo.
After marrying, Joseph and his wife Margaret moved to Belford to raise their family. Joseph proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines and was stationed at Quantico, Virginia and served as military police. He worked for New Jersey Transit as a bus mechanic at the Howell garage for 35 years and retired in 1998.
Joe attended King of Kings Lutheran Church and ushered there for several years. He enjoyed spending time along the Bayshore, whether riding his bike or visiting Bayshore Waterfront Park with his wife and dog Bentley.
Joe was a family man who took great pride in his home. He crafted many things for the house and could regularly be found outside maintaining the yard. Joe also made time to spend with his family and friends. He looked forward to playing pool with his friends at the Croydon Hall Senior Center, going to movies with his son-in-law Warren and cherished every moment spent with his beloved grandchildren, Joshua and Sarah.
Joseph is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Margaret Balsamo; along with their two children, daughter Cheryl Hare and her husband Warren of Middletown; and son Joseph R. Balsamo and his wife Pamela of Keyport. Joseph also leaves behind his two grandchildren, Joshua Hare and Sarah Hare.
Friends and relatives paid their respects Oct. 6 and 7 with a funeral service at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals, Belford. A private burial and committal followed at Shoreland Memorial Gardens in Hazlet.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the International Myeloma Foundation or the American Heart Association.
