Joseph (Joe) Sansotta, 78, of Berkeley Twp. passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Joe was fortunate to beat 2 types of cancer (Lung & Bladder) but has made his way to the afterlife.
Born in Calabria, Italy, Joe came to the United States in 1960 and settled in Brooklyn, NY. Immigrating as a teenager, Joe was adjusting to a brand new lifestyle when he met the love of his life, Sharon. The two star-crossed lovers ran away to elope and began their lives together. They truly were a couple that was made for each other as they embarked on a life together for 57 years.
Joe was a small business owner for over 45 years. At one point, he owned and operated at 2 hairstyle salons with the flagship of Mr. J’s Barber Shop located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY. Alongside his wife, Joe relocated his family to Toms River, NJ in the early 80’s to provide more opportunities and a better life for his children. Joe was now commuting 5 days a week from Toms River to Brooklyn, NY (80 miles each way) to continue running his business and provide for his family and did this for over 30 years before retiring.
Of all the things that Joe accomplished in his life, he was most proud of his kids and especially his grandchildren, Jackson, Noah & Emma who affectionately called him Pappy. There was nothing more that lit up his life than his grandchildren and the time he spent with them. Pappy would always talk about his grandchildren to whoever would listen and to even those who wouldn’t!
Throughout his life, he resided Brooklyn, NY and Toms River, NJ before settling in Berkeley Twp. 12 years ago. Joseph attended St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, Toms River. Joseph is survived by his loving wife Sharon, of 57 years, sons Frank of Berkeley Township, Joseph and his wife, Aimee of Langhorne, PA, his daughter Caterina Sansotta and her husband, Russell Cioffi, 3 grandchildren Jackson, Emma, and Noah, 2 brothers Carmine and Claudio, 2 dogs Buster and Mikey, and the cat Lulu. Joseph was predeceased by 1 brother.
A celebration of his life will be hosted by the family at a later date in the new year.
One of the smartest person and best person I’ve ever known rest in peace love you Mr. j
Lovely, Joseph ❤️❤️❤️💔💔💔
Joey-my brother in law, who really became a brother at some point. You will be so terribly missed, I am so sorry that the last couple of years were so so hard for you. I will give my all to holding onto the 47-48 years I knew you as the funniest, kindest, generous and most loving man. May you rest in Eternal Peace. Sharon, my dear sister, Frankie, Cathy & Russ, Joseph & Aimee, Jackson, Noah and Emma-I love you all, and l will pray for your healing from your broken hearts every day.
Joey the most kind, funny person. So sorry to hear of all your suffering. may you rest in eternal peace with your brother 🙏 mom and dad. Amen 🙏 🙏 🙏
So sorry to hear of all your suffering in the last couple of years. we did share lots of happy times with birthdays, baptism and wedding. you were a great person to have known. Antonio, Emilia e Ricky Stampone
our thoughts and condolences goes out to each and every one of . this is a unfortunate situation like all I wish there was more time for all of us to spend together…we are all heartbroken we miss him dearly and wish that so much time didn’t go by. we love you Joe rest in peace❤️until we see each other again🩶🫂😘
For some reason, I just thought of Joe and all the amazing conversations I had with him. Growing up on 46th street, between 5&6th avenue, it only made sense to get a haircut from Joe, who was literally down the street. He eventually grew, to take over the space at 4714 5th avenue. The man literally watched me grow up from being a 7 year old whipper snapper to still cutting my hair at age 27, when I was a wall street trader and he would tell me about the 1986 wall street crash. I also remember how stressed he was when his daughter and SIL relocated to Las Vegas. I’m upset right now and holding back tears, after hearing of his passing, as I type this. I can still hear his laugh and how he talked with a bit of a Brooklyn accent and always talked really fast. Hahaha!! After thinking of him, I decided to do an obituary search, figuring it would have to mention his years as a barber and found this page. Some of my best memories, growing up in Brooklyn, was sitting with Joe as he cut my hair and talked about anything and everything! Thank you for your friendship, Joe. You will always been remembered with great admiration. Man, I really need to cry for a bit, I have streams of tears running down my face. :'(
May his soul rest in peace.
Just learned about Mr Joe’s passing.
Only best memories from Mr Joe, my former boss and guide along my first stage as a hair stylist in NYC .
For his kind wife Sharon, children, and grand children, my most sincere condolences. We all who met Mr Joe are very fortunate for having his joyful presence in our life.
Best regards
Ana Iborti 💐