Joseph Julian, 94, of Atlantic Highlands, passed away Oct. 8.
Joe accomplished many things during his life. As a teen he learned to fly a single-engine plane that he continued to enjoy well into his 50s. He also had a passion for racing Jersey Speed Skiffs. He took this passion up and down the East Coast, winning many races and trophies. Always looking to be the best, he was the first boatbuilder to build a Jersey Speed Skiff out of fiberglass, shattering records wherever he raced. Joe also found time to fish between racing, flying and running his business.
Joe enjoyed watching football and baseball but his favorite pastime was being at his store, Julian’s Bait, Tackle & Ice, welcoming friends and customers to have a cup of coffee and good conversation. Joe was always busy creating things from Bunker Spoons to his last fishing boat, the My Way, a 40-foot beauty named after his favorite Frank Sinatra song. A supporter of his community, Joe would donate rods, reels and ice to the numerous events in the area. Joe loved his family and lived a full life. And in the words of his favorite song, “I faced it all and I stood tall, and I did it my way.”
Joe was predeceased by his wife Margaret (née Lee). He is survived by his daughters, Alexandra Pesacreta and Francesca Julian, and his son Joseph Julian. He is also survived by his granddaughter Jessica Julian-Andrews.
A private family gathering took place at Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, Atlantic Highlands. Burial took place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the October 15 – 21, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
