Joseph A. Todaro
Joseph A Todaro, 98, passed away on September 8 at the home of his daughter with whom he resided in Phillipsburg.
He was a lifelong resident of Phillipsburg and born on June 13, 1925, a son of Salvatore and Carmella Franco Todaro. He resided on the same block of Mercer Street until recently, having lived there for 96 years.
Known to many as Smokey, he attended Phillipsburg High School. He enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in RI. Upon his honorable discharge, he joined his father, creating Salvatore Todaro and Son Plumbing and Heating. When his father retired, he continued the business, which flourished in Phillipsburg for many years. He then received his license to sell real-estate.
A lifelong member of St Philip and St James Catholic Church, Joe was a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and also The Parish Players. During his working years, he was a regular fixture at Tom’s Lunch, where he learned the Greek language. In later years, he frequented Pete’s Barber Shop, where the group would discuss and attempt to solve the problems of the world. He was active in local politics and on the Phillipsburg Centennial Committee.
Smokey enjoyed a variety of music styles but was most passionate for classical music and especially opera. He loved to dance and won a dance contest in the late 1940s. He possessed a strong affection for books and was an avid reader.
Joe was devoted to his family and was very proud of his Sicilian heritage. He had close relationships with his parents, siblings, and extended family throughout their lives. He loved all family functions, instilled the importance of family into his children, and cherished time spent with all of them. He truly enjoyed and loved life to the fullest.
He is survived by his children: Margaret (Gary) Beach, Susan (Michael) Hinkle, Janice Todaro, Matthew (Christine) Todaro, and Marcia (Thomas) Sulick. Grandchildren: Michael Hinkle, Vanessa Beach Frey, David Hinkle, Terence Beach, Arianne Sulick Ericson, Francesca Todaro Weiss, Sarah Hinkle Simon, and Aaron Sulick. Great-Grandchildren: Timothy Hinkle, Jacob Simon, Caleb Hinkle, Evan Hinkle, Rylan Simon, Kyle Hinkle, Jose Martinez, Brett Hinkle, Oliver Frey, and Heir Cooley. Also, many nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: his former wife, Shirley Fink Todaro; grandchild, Alayna Sulick; and great-grandchild, Aviana Sulick-Addawoo. Siblings: John Todaro, Marian Manasseri, George Todaro, Charles Todaro, Grace Adamo, Jeanette Indorato, and Sandra Ference.
Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 6-8 pm, at the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman Street, Phillipsburg. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 10 am, at St Philip and St James Catholic Church, 430 South Main Street, Phillipsburg. Interment will be at St Philip and St James Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton NJ 07860. We want to thank the entire staff for their professional care, kindness, and compassion. They treated us like family and will always be fondly remembered.