Obituary of Joseph A. Cohen

October 19, 1948 – May 13, 2025

Joseph A. Cohen, age 76, of Washington Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Hackettstown Medical Center.

Born on October 19, 1948, in Jersey City, NJ, Joe was the son of the late Benjamin and Adelia (née Buckis) Cohen. He was raised in Hasbrouck Heights, where he developed a deep love for family, friends and hard work. In 1969, Joe was drafted into the United States Army and honorably served during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home in 1970, he married the love of his life, Ann Costa, on October 12, 1974. Together, they built a life rooted in love, dedication, and unwavering support.

Joe and Ann made their home in Wood-Ridge and Wallington, NJ, where they raised their cherished son, Brian. A natural entrepreneur and skilled craftsman, Joe founded and operated JC Installation Co., a successful contracting business that spanned over four decades. After retiring, he and Ann moved to Washington Township to be closer to their son’s family and their treasured granddaughters.

In his spare time, Joe pursued his passion for classic & modern cars. A talented restorer and avid collector, he rebuilt iconic models such as a '68 Chevy Camaro and '66 Pontiac GTO, earning the respect and admiration of classic car enthusiasts and fellow hobbyists. He was also a skilled pool player, enjoyed the excitement of casino visits, spending time with his fellow veterans, and was a devoted New York Giants fan. A proud season ticket holder, one of Joe’s fondest memories was witnessing the Giants’ 1987 Super Bowl victory in person. 

More than anything, Joe will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and most of all, “Papa Joe” to his beloved granddaughters, Allison and Hailey, who brought him endless joy.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Ann; his son, Brian, and daughter-in-law, Katherine; granddaughters, Allison and Hailey Cohen; brother, Richard Cohen and his wife Joan; sister, Dori Roberts and her husband John; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Plescia; nieces Veronica Cohen, Jennifer Hales and her husband Tom; and nephews, Rick Dolan and his wife Lorrie, Ryan Christian and his wife Tasha, Jeff Cohen and his wife Jen, and Mark Plescia and his wife Kelly. He was predeceased by his brothers, David, Danny, and Jack.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Joe’s family on Wednesday, May 21st, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ 08809. A Catholic prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM. Interment with military honors will be held on Thursday, May 22nd, at 10:00 AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. In lieu of repass, a celebration of Joe's life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made the Wounded Warrior Project. Please Click Here to Donate

Joe’s strength, unique sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.