DEL MONTE, DEACON JOSEPH J

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 6 at Assumption /All Saints Church, Jersey City, for Deacon Joseph J. Del Monte, 78, a lifelong resident of Jersey City. He died on March 1. The son of Italian immigrants, he began his life helping his father peddle fruits and vegetables from a horse-drawn wagon that served the Lafayette section of Jersey City. He was a graduate of Seton Hall University, receiving his B. A. in 1962, became an Ordained Roman Catholic Deacon in 1976, and would later serve as Chaplain for the Hudson County Correctional Center. He was the first recipient of the Jersey Journal Betty Foley Memorial Award in 1995, the Founder of St. Francis Workshop, serving those less fortunate for over 50 years, and was a member of the 3rd Order of St. Francis. He served his country in the Korean War as a U.S. Marine, one of the ‘Chosen Few’ survivors of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. From a battlefield promise to the The Blessed Mother, Joseph began his ministry, committing himself to feeding, clothing, sheltering and counseling the homeless and less fortunate until the end of his life. He dedicated his professional career at CETA to employing and educating the citizens of Jersey City. He taught at Jersey City State College and was a cornerstone of the Meals on Wheels, Free Lunch and Summer Youth work programs. His ministry will continue through the Saint Francis Workshop and his family. He was the husband of Carmen (Diaz) Del Monte, the father of Maria Kuzman and Joseph, Dr. John, Robert, and Anthony, the brother of Frank Del Monte and Carol Oberwanowicz and grandfather of 10 grandchildren. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.