Joseph F. Eitner

Joseph Eitner, 82, of Mahwah, NJ, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. Joseph lost his
beloved wife of 59 years, Patricia, one year ago, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and
memories.

He was a loving and devoted father to his sons, Joseph Francis Jr., Michael Anthony,
Matthew David, and John-Paul, and father-in-law to Valarie (nee Wonsowicz), Shannon (nee
Gallo), Katie (nee Konde), and Kimberly (nee Stanton). He was the proud grandfather of
thirteen-Jack, Isabella, Ryan, Joseph, Daniel, Ella, Matthew, Luke, Brynn, Jane, Russell, Blake,
and Benjamin. Joseph was pre-deceased by his older brother Frank and identical twin brother
Thomas. He was a caring and giving uncle to many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and
nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews.

Joseph was born in Edgewater, NJ in 1943. He attended public schools there and graduated
from Leonia High School in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army and served 2 years in
active duty and 2 years in the reserves. He and Patricia were married in 1965 and eventually
settled in Waldwick, NJ with their family in 1969. Joseph was a talented craftsman and worked
using his hands for many years until his back began to give out almost 50 years ago. He also
had an entrepreneurial spirit and started several businesses, the last of which is still owned and
operated by his family. 

Joseph never lost his passion for tinkering and building and transformed his shed into a 
woodworking shop later in life. There he toiled in the solitude of prayer and meditation, building
countless treasures for his family and friends.

Joseph was well known in the community as a silent giant. Always with a friendly smile but
underlying stoicism. He was a regular at all manner of ballgames, gymnasiums, football fields,
and chiropractic offices.

Joseph & Patricia began a spiritual journey in 1972, after attending a Marriage Encounter
weekend retreat. They were extremely involved with many Catholic ministries and received
recognition from the Archdiocese of Newark. They were beacons of faith through good times
and challenging times.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 26th , from 4:00-8:00pm at Vander Plaat Funeral
Home in Wyckoff, NJ and a Funeral Mass at St. Luke’s Parish, in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ on Friday,
February 27th at 12noon, with the burial at St. Luke’s Cemetery to follow immediately
thereafter.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Joseph may be made to goodcounselhomes.org

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