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.
My sincere heartfelt condolences to the entire family ! you my friend will be missed by many , such a good heart and caring man . A lifelong friend i am so sad by your passing . RIP with Jesus ….God bless rest well my friend
sincerely,
Tony Chiusano
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. Rest in Peace Joe
The Marshall Family
I’ll miss our chats, sharing recipes, reminiscing about the good old days and life in general. I’m so happy we were able to reconnect and actually visit each other in person. May you be welcomed into heaven on the wings of angels. I’ll miss you my dearest friend. May you find eternal peace. Condolences to Debbie and Joey.
RIP Brother ! We served together with the 509th Ann zing in Verona Italy ! I am from New York so we had some comaderie with that ! I’ve texted Joe every so often over the years ! I’ve always admired that he has helped many vets over the years ! Joe was a warrior and a true patriot ! I’m proud to have walked with him and the other paratrooper warriors ! RIP Brother. AIRBORNE. All The Way
Joe is greatly missed by all of his friends and fellow veterans of the 509th Airborne in Italy. He led a great life, mentoring others through his work and his legacy, and his love of country. He is already greatly missed. Our prayers, love, compassion and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends…
Sending my deepest condolences to Debbie and Joey, and the entire family. May Joe’s memory be a blessing.
I am very shocked at the passing of this soldier whom I served with in Italy. I send my condolences to his family and all who loved him.
We are going to miss you my dear neighbor in your back yard next to mine enjoying your dog. You were a very nice and kind neighbor. RIP
GOD Bless you my brother in arms. You did a wonderful job here on earth, now go rest in peace.
ABN all the way Hoo-Ah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Mrs. Mancini,
Robert was a dedicated member of the Empire State Society Sons of the American Revolution. As co-chairman he kept us up to date with the information from the Veterans Administration. He will be greatly missed.
Joseph B Fitzpatrick, President
ESS-SSAR
My sincere Condolences to Debbie, Joey and Family. I served with Joe as Paratroopers at Boscomantico in Verona, Italy in the seventies at the height of the Cold War. Joe was a good Man with a warm heart and a love for his Family. He will be missed by everyone
To a good friend and camping buddy, you will be missed
Our warmest and sincere condolences to Debbie and Joey . He will be truly missed bye all who talked and spent time with . A very special man . We ou hear if you need anything.
With peace to all
Sincerely Mike and Janine ,Janelle Cecco
Sorry for your very unexpected loss. Joe was a dedicated Veteran, providing valuable service to the Veterans Affairs Committee and Board of Managers for the Empire Society of the (S.A.R.) Sons of the American Revolution.
Rest in Peace cousin Joe… sending good energy and thoughts to your family in this difficult time.
Joe and I studied together at the Teaneck School of Self Defense, and worked together at Camp Confidence, a martial arts summer camp, run by our sensei, Joe Klein. Sad to hear his passing.