Hi, I’m Joe. My story begins in Philadelphia, where I was born and raised. I pursued higher education at Temple University, earning a B.S. in Communications with a focus on journalism after my honorable discharge from the Army in 1969. Later, I attended the MBA program at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts.
I am proud to be a veteran, having served two years in the U.S. Army from August 1967 through August 1969. In 1968, at 20 years old, just prior to the Tet Offensive, I was deployed to Vietnam, where I completed a one-year tour as a platoon sergeant. During my service, I was honored to receive the Army Commendation for Heroism. The camaraderie from my fellow platoon was the key to survival and the most important aspect of my service in the Army.
My time in Vietnam was spent in the Mekong River Delta, an area with heavy Agent Orange exposure. Twenty years after my tour, I was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. In my sixties, kidney disease was confirmed. Since January 2025, I have been adapting to the challenges of chronic illness, renal failure, and dialysis.
My wife, Mona, and I have made West Orange, NJ, our home since 2006. Before that, we lived in Montclair for 20 years, where our two children, Sydney and Seth, attended Montclair public schools.
Professionally, my career was rooted in the food industry. I worked for various supermarket companies, serving as a director within several merchandising groups. Later, as a business development manager, I managed 18 packaged goods clients for Acosta Sales and Marketing.
After retiring from the food industry, I spent two years as a sales associate with Sotheby’s in Montclair, New Jersey, selling real estate in the local area. I later stepped away from work due to my health.
Even with my medical challenges, I remain committed to my community and serve on the board of my condominium association. My business experience and real estate background help me contribute practical perspectives to decisions that support and strengthen our serene, distinctive green-space community.
I am proud to say I am Pop-Pop to my three amazing grandchildren: Zoe, Brody, and Jemma, and father-in-law to Jeremy and Katie. I have been a dog lover of four special dogs over my life with Mona: Ishie, Ozzie, Bogey, and now our sweet Wally.
Cooking is a passion of mine. I enjoy creating recipes that fit my dietary restrictions, sharing them with Mona, family, and friends.
Currently due to tremendous fatigue caused by dialysis, it is impossible now for me to continue playing golf, my favorite pastime.
I look forward to a kidney transplant soon so I can keep doing what I enjoy.
We need you to help us support Joe. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611