Obituary of Joseph Damiano

Joseph Damiano Sr., 91, of Ridgefield, NJ, passed away September 9, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Irene, and their two sons, Douglas (Gail) and Joseph Jr. (Deborah), along with four grandchildren: Dana, Douglas, Dean, and Dawn. He was born in West Hoboken, NJ, to parents Fredinando and Antonietta. He had two older brothers, Nicholas and Michael (both deceased). While serving in World War II, he was wounded, which earned him the Purple Heart. But his colorful life didn't stop there. After working in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Newark, NJ, for 20 years, Joseph was struck by the possibility of an "up-and-coming hamburger joint" donning the now-iconic Golden Arches. So in 1973 he, his brothers, and his sons opened their first McDonald's restaurant in Middletown, NY. Over the next 42 years, their family businesses grew and spread throughout northern New Jersey. Up until his death, you could find Joseph Sr., or B.J. (Big Joe) as he was lovingly known, at any one of the restaurants enjoying a cup of coffee with patrons and friends. To know him was to know that he loved life and being around people. He always had a smile and a story to share. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. From the Golden Arches to the Golden Gates of Heaven, he will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten. Please gather at St. Matthew's R.C. Church, 555 Prospect Avenue, Ridgefield, at 9:45 AM for the 10 AM Funeral Mass. Interment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee, NJ. Visiting hours on Friday, from 5-9 PM. .For information and directions, please visit www.mccorrybrothers.com.