Obituary of Joseph A. Balzarano

Joseph A. Balzarano, 66, of Farmingdale passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. He was born, raised, and lived in Staten Island. He was a graduate of Susan E. Wagner High School, Staten Island. He moved to California for a few years before settling in Farmingdale, NJ in the 1980’s. He worked for Procter and Gamble for five years before starting his own business, Rite-Way Paving. He would go on to assist his brother John in operating Willowbrook Greenhouses, the family business started on Staten Island by his father. Joe was a jack of all trades. He excelled in woodworking, as a mechanic, landscaping, and most notably renovated his home from the studs. He found joy in taking trips to Disney World and Virginia Beach with his family, as well as flying model planes, working on cars, and a good cup of coffee.

Joe’s life was far from an easy one. At the age of 51 he suffered a massive stroke, leaving him fully paralyzed with the condition “Locked-In Syndrome”. Despite his newfound disability his mind was as sharp as ever. He was always someone who would help people in any way he knew how and his new inability to move or speak wouldn’t hold him back from that. With the help of his wife, children, and fantastic nursing team he continued to communicate using only eye movements. Regardless of his disability, he always had advice when things went wrong and he always knew that “laughter is the best medicine” as his wife would put it, often cracking jokes and laughing about old stories.

He is predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Balzarano; and three brothers, Ralph, James (“Jimmy”), and John. Joseph is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 34 years, Teresa Balzarano; children, Joanna Reca and her husband, Spencer, and Katie Balzarano; and many loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 12:30 to 4:00 PM with his funeral service to begin at 4:00 PM. All family, friends, and anyone whose lives have been touched by Joe are welcome to the services. Interment will be private. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com