Plan for the Future
Joseph T. Mucerino, 85, died peacefully at Morristown Medical Center on Friday, March 10 after a long illness.
Born in 1937 to Ralph and Anna Mucerino, he called Madison, NJ home before residing in Green Village for 40 years. He moved to Peapack-Gladstone in 2006 where he lived his final leg of his life. A 1955 graduate from Madison High School, he was known well in the community for his vibrant smile, huge hugs, loving personality, hard handshakes, and a jack of all trades.
After graduation in 1955, Joe served in the food service branch of the US Army Reserve being honorably discharged in 1962. His love for food service and cooking continued until his retirement in 1999. Being a butcher by trade he owned and ran his own businesses, The Choppin Block in Florham Park, and then the Gourmet Deli & Meats in Chatham Township from 1982 until 1999. When not working endless hours in the deli, Joe could be found in his garden, picking produce for his vegetable stand; at his beach house in Lavallette, enjoying early morning sunrises or scouring the beach for sea glass; wood working in this basement to make adorable items to donate to the church bazaar or sell in his stores; spending time with his family and friends at home or exploring the world; spoiling his many beloved dogs (Brie, Misty, Squeaky, Raspberry, Clementine, Klondike, Opal, Lassie, Diesel, and Sophie); and sittings in his favorite chair, cheering on his favorite sports teams and players. He was known as “Pop” to everyone, and loved by all who met him.
He was an associate member of the Green Village Volunteer Fire Department, a past member of Mendham Golf and Tennis Club, and was a member of the Green Village United Methodist Church where he had served as a Trustee.
Joe, the most loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, is predeceased by his wife, Arlene Hinds Mucerino; parents Ralph & Anna Mucerino; and Brother Ralph Jr. Mucerino. He is survived by his wife, Cheraldine Oliver Mucerino; sister, Beverly (Bob) Tenten, daughter Nila (Joe) Sodano; Son Robert (Sandy Teresi) Hilbert; Grandchildren Jody(Tim) Gordon, Jamie(Andrew) Foss, Jake Hilbert, Laura (Adam) Colon, and his seven great grandchildren; Graeme, Timothy and Owen Gordon, Taylor and Alexandra Foss, and Eli and Bella Colon.
