Joseph Donofrio

Joseph Angelo Donofrio, a proud Navy veteran, devoted public servant, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home on June 7, 2025. He was 82 years old.

Born to Angelo Joseph Donofrio and Angelina Donofrio, Joseph dedicated his life to service and to protecting others. He served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, a commitment he carried forward into civilian life with a distinguished career in law enforcement. As a Police Officer, Joseph rose through the ranks to retire as a sergeant and served with distinction as a PBA State Delegate for over 20 years, advocating for the rights and welfare of his fellow officers.

Joseph's legacy of strength, integrity, and love lives on through his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Andrea Donofrio; his sons, Joseph Donofrio and wife Kyle Engle, and Andrew Donofrio and wife Sarah Krom; his cherished grandchildren, Samy Johnson, Davie Donofrio, Joseph Donofrio, and Sydnie Donofrio; and his great-grandchildren, Jolene and Juniper. He is also survived by his loving sister, Maria Gelewski, and brother-in-law, George Gelewski.

He was predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Angelina, and his brother, David Donofrio.

Joseph was a man of deep loyalty, strong principles, quiet but powerful presence, and a phenomenal sense of humor. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to family, his lifelong service to his country and community, and the dignity with which he lived his life. When he wasn’t serving his community, he escaped to the Green Mountain State of Vermont where he enjoyed snowmobiling and the outdoors in the Mad River Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joseph’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization he deeply respected for its support of veterans and first responders.

He will be missed beyond words and remembered with enduring love.

Services will be held at Vander Plaat Funeral Home on 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. Visitation with the family will be Friday, June 13 from 2 – 6PM and a service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, June 14.