Joseph (Joe) A. Mancini, 73, of Northvale, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 3, 2023. Beloved husband of Debbie (nee Minutoli), devoted father of Joseph, dear brother of Louis Mancini and his wife Sharon. He is also survived by many loving relatives and friends as well as his loyal sidekick, Kenji.
Joe studied the martial arts from the time he was a young boy. In 1973 he traveled to Japan to study Karate with Sensei Obata of Keio University and upon his return enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War. He graduated jump school at Ft. Benning Georgia, becoming a Paratrooper assigned to the 509th Airborne Combat Team in Verona, Italy. There he joined the elite recon platoon and served with Nato until he was honorably discharged in 1976.
His mastery of the art of Karate led him to open and operate the Academy of Self-Defense in Teaneck, NJ, where he met his wife. He eventually passed down the ownership of the school and began to work for the USPS in Teaneck as well as serving as the Court Officer for the Borough of Northvale. His and his son’s long involvement in the Boy Scouts of America led Joe to eventually become Scout Master for Troop 124, encouraging his son and other members to earn their Eagle. Because of his knowledge in dealing with the DAV, he began to dedicate his time to assist other disabled veterans with their benefits. He also became an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Visiting hours are Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale. A graveside service will be held at Garden of Memories, Building 4, Washington Township at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 8, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org.