Plan for the Future
Joseph (Joe) Albert Carella passed away on April 29, 2024. He departed this world at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, where 69 years before, he was born on December 10, 1954. He was a longtime resident of Millburn, NJ, where he enjoyed a happy childhood with his sister, Antoinette. He was a devoted father to his only daughter Lauren, whom he raised as a single parent. Throughout his life he was blessed with many lifelong friends, who he treated as family.
Joe was a light-hearted and fun loving character. He often joked that he had more fun than a human being should be allowed.
In high school, he participated in track and gymnastics, advancing to compete in the Junior Olympics. Since childhood, Joe had a love of the outdoors, leading to hobbies like fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was especially passionate about and excellent at fishing. He spent his summers catching fluke at the Jersey Shore, his winters in Upstate New York in pursuit of steelhead trout, and even traveled to the wilderness of Alaska where he caught salmon right alongside grizzly bears. He was an excellent cook and loved sharing food with his fellow members of the Casa Columbo and American Legion. Joe was an avid movie lover, especially war documentaries, sci-fi and horror. He passed on his love and bonded over horror movies with his daughter. Joe also shared his green thumb and love of vegetable gardening with her, tomatoes being their favorite to grow. His fresh tomato marinara recipe will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Joseph worked for Ford for many years, starting out as a car salesman working his way up to become a finance manager. Later in life, he worked as an assistant to his best friend, electrician Patsy Palumbo, who passed before him in 2020.
Joe is survived by his adoring daughter Lauren Carella Risley, his son-in- law Dustin Risley, his sister Antoinette Carella Hodukavich, his brother-in- law Stan Hodukavich, and his great uncle Junior Alberti. He was preceded in death by his parents Anita Carella (Alberti) and Daniel Carella, also long time residents of Millburn, NJ.
