Obituary of Joseph M. Di Somma

Joseph M. “Joe” Di Somma, 94

Joseph M. “Joe” Di Somma, 94, of Jackson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Monteforte, Irpino, Italy, Joe arrived in America in 1947 at just 16 years old, making the journey with his mother and his sister Mafalda — a bold beginning that would define the man he became. He settled in Iselin, became a proud American citizen, and honorably served his adopted country in the United States Army. He later made his home in Jackson in 2018, where he lived close to the family he treasured above all else.

Joe built his working life as a Pipefitter at the Hyatt Roller Bearing Company in Clark and earned equal respect as a property owner who was known for treating his tenants with fairness and decency.

But it was around the table where Joe was most himself. He was a gifted home cook and winemaker whose Italian meals and homemade wine drew family and friends together the way only good food can. His legendary “guys nights” — shared with his son Anthony, his brother Arthur, his brothers-in-law Tony, Pasquale, and Sal, and the friends he called family — were filled with great food, flowing wine, and the kind of spirited conversation that only people who truly love each other can get away with.

Joe loved the simple pleasures: sitting in the warm sun, walking, jogging, and most of all, being present with the people he loved. He lived by a phrase that said everything about him: Sempre Famiglia — Always Family.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Antonio and Rosa Di Somma; and his brother, Arthur Di Somma. He is survived by his children, Lisa Pagano and her husband Greg of Jackson, and Anthony Di Somma and his wife Shannon of Marlboro; their mother, Dolores Di Somma of Manchester; four cherished granddaughters, Juliana Sanzone and husband Vincent, Alyssa, Olivia, and Sophia; his sisters, Mafalda Simone and her husband Tony, Clara Tiseo and her husband Pasquale, and RoseMarie Bentivegna and her husband Sal; long-time companion Adrienne Garellick, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who knew they were family too.

A visitation will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:30 PM, with his funeral service to follow. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.T2T.org.

For information, directions, or to leave a condolence message for the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.