Deacon Joseph Fuoco

Recently, when speaking of Deacon Joe, a priest stated simply, “He is St. Peter’s Church.” His devotion to the church was always readily apparent. More than a congregant, he started as an usher, became a Eucharistic Minister, and completed the diaconate program in 1978 from which he since earned status as the oldest active deacon in Trenton Diocese. Sunday mornings found him at the church doors, warmly welcoming his parish. When he delivered the homily, the Lord spoke through him. rnrnHe was a member of the Color Corp, American Legion, and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus (K of C). He was chaplain of the Fourth Degree and the VFW. He also bowled on a local league. Joe facilitated and supervised the construction of the St. John Neumann Hall, Delran. Dedication to his parish, community, family, and friends twice earned him the title Man of the Year. He was also recipient of the Trenton Diocese “Nostrum Ecclesiam Tempus” award, a Sir Knight of the K of C, and recognized for his chaplain services at K of C. Above all, Joe was a family man–a son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle. rnrnThe child of Italian immigrants, he worked alongside his father and brothers in the family construction business. He proudly served in the US Navy (USS Ammen) during WWII. Upon return, he wooed Josephine Capobianco, which led to their 64-year marriage. Their lives were blessed by their children: Judy Sutton (Tom) of Delran and Dr. Frederick Fuoco (Rhonda Vinet) of New Orleans; and again by their grandchildren: Michelle Sutton-Kerchner (Jeff), Christina Rutledge (Bill), Sandy Farley (Troy) and Kara and Ericka Fuoco; and great-grandchildren: Max, Alexandra, Jessica, Jack, Benjamin, Joseph and Andrew. Joe is survived by his wife, Josephine; his brother, Carmen (Nancy) of Delran, his sister-in-law, Alison Fuoco of Riverside, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederico and Sylvia (nee Marino), one brother and two sisters. rn rnCelebrate Joe’s 90 devoted years (Nov. 7, 1920-Nov. 5, 2011) Wednesday from 6-9 PM and Thursday 10-10:45AM at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church (St. Peter’s site), Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00AM. Interment in the Fuoco mausoleum–built by Joe, his father, and brother–at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Riverside. Donations to Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, 101 Middleton St., Riverside, NJ 08075 are appreciated. Arrangements by the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. rn