Joseph DeCollibus (Joey) of Montague, New Jersey passed away suddenly on Saturday January 16th, 2021 at the age of 54. Born on March 27th, 1966 in Brooklyn, Joseph was raised in Staten Island, New York by his late parents William and Marie Arancio DeCollibus. For 30 years, Joe worked for FedEx Corporation, starting as a carrier in Manhattan and eventually moved into service administration for the company’s New Jersey headquarters.
For over 20 years, Joseph shared his life with his beloved wife and best friend, Patricia G. Fitzpatrick (Patty....Petie he called her) It was love at first sight for Joe - from the first time he saw her at the age of 15, he knew he’d one day marry Patty and twenty years later he did. He is survived by their beautiful daughter and the light of their lives, Marie Elisa Gerarda DeCollibus, his adoring sister Elisa Barbuto, his brother and “rock” William (Bill) DeCollibus and his wife Maria, and his special sister Karen Principato and her husband Anthony; as well as his three cousins John Mascia (Jean), Joseph and Ralph DeCollibus. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Terrence Fitzpatrick (Maureen Crowe), his sisters-in-law Maureen Fitzpatrick (Will Thompson) and Kathleen Sarro (Daniel), and his cherished nieces and nephews: Jacqueline, Jonathan, Michael, Kaleigh, Nicholas (Taylor), Jeanna, Sean, Genevieve, Joseph, Meghan, Thomas, Christian, Shannon, and Daniel. He was known to them as their “Crazy Uncle Joey” and fostered a unique relationship with each of them.
To say that Joey was one in a “ka-zillion” is an understatement. He was quick to joke, play, laugh -- and his antics were legendary. Joe’s warm and welcoming spirit made him a friend to many, some of whom have been along for the ride for the past 50 years.
Joey was an outdoorsman who enjoyed shooting, gardening, and riding his tractor and could regularly be found in the yard working on a project mostly wood. He adored his dog Taser Magee, the only creature with as much energy as he had. Inside the home, Joey was an outstanding cook and often expressed his love through his food. It didn’t matter what he made, it was always delicious. As a father, Joey was an avid fan of
his athletic daughter Marie, attending all of her field hockey games and pretty much everything that she was involved in. The two spent countless hours in the car together commuting to school and work, laughing and making up song lyrics as they went. Joey cared deeply for his community and was a parishioner of Saint Thomas the Apostle, as well as a volunteer with the local board of education.
Joe had a carefree way, CRAZY sense of humor and warmth made others feel special. He was a cross between the Impractical jokers , Frank Constanza (Arthur Spooner) and Mother Theresa and it was never dull! Joey’s parents instilled in him and his siblings a deep sense of humanity and the importance of family. He worked hard and loved deeply. To Joey love was something he gave freely, he took care of everyone. Forever
the room will be quieter, a hole in our hearts we can’t understand. We have to believe he ran out of heart, that he gave us so much joy until he had no more to give. Heaven needed their angel back.
We love you Joseph. Rest in final peace.
Visitation will be held 3-7 PM Tuesday, January 19th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home located at 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks must be worn at all times. There is a limited capacity and there may be a wait time.
Prayers will be offered 10:45 AM, Wednesday, January 20th at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 pm at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church in Sandyston, New Jersey. Reverend Wayne Varga will be the celebrant. Cremation will take place at Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. There will be a continued celebration of Joseph’s life at a later date that will be announced by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-decollibus-girls?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp_guide_do&memberId=8097910 . Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For more information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com.
