Joseph Anthony Presepe, 56, of Downey, CA, formerly of Marietta, GA and Bayonne, NJ, died peacefully in his home and surrounded by love on September 28, 2022. Joseph was born to the late Cuneo and Frances (née DeSantis) Presepe. He grew up in Bayonne where he graduated from Marist High School, attended St. Peter's College, and then pursued his passion for the Culinary Arts at HCCC. His talents quickly elevated him to the position of Executive Chef, receiving Honors such as Chef of the Month, with publication in the Star Ledger. Subsequently pursuing a career in business, Joseph graduated from the Chubb Institute, and worked in the trucking industry as a Service Advisor for Rush Trucking (Peterbilt) in both Georgia and California.

Joe is remembered as a gentle soul, a great listener, a man of faith, who loved deeply and without reservation. He had a passion for knowledge and adventure, relishing both a thought provoking conversation and a road trip. He appreciated nature, soaking up the warmth of SoCal, snowboarding and tubing in the pristine snow of Vermont,  and watching the seasons change in New Jersey. A kid at heart, Christmas was his favorite celebration. Joe's sense of humor and brilliant smile lit up the room. He loved cooking for family and friends, and was always willing to share a recipe. He was a voracious reader, enjoyed music, zombie flicks, golfing, gaming, playing cards, and fervently rooting for the Giants and Mets.

Joe was a devoted dad and so proud of his son, Max, age 15, an honor student on scholarship, varsity swimmer, junior Olympian, and fine young man. Joe's greatest passion, by far, was spending time with Max and cheering him on at swim meets.

Joe is survived by his sister, Diana (D'Andrea), brother, Vincent, and sister-in-law, Maria. He was a beloved uncle to Vincent, Alexandria, Nicholas, Michael Q, and Joseph. Joe was blessed with many loving family members and cherished friends.

"Drive away and try to keep smiling. Get a little rock and roll on the radio and go toward all the life there is with all the courage you can find and all the belief you can muster. Be true, be brave, stand. All the rest is darkness." -Stephen King, IT

There will be a memorial celebration of Joe's life on Saturday December 3 ^rd from 12 noon – 2PM at Migliaccio Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 851 Kennedy Blvd. (at 33 ^rd St.) in Bayonne, with a prayer service to be conducted towards the end of services.