- Date Of Birth: January 15, 1951
- Date Of Death: March 19, 2022
- State: New Jersey
The St. Catherine of Siena and Seaside Park Communities lost a true friend this past week when Joseph J. Stack passed away on the Feast of St. Joseph March 19, 2022 as a result of the diagnosis of a second leukemia; Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Joe had been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2014.
Joe was born in Passaic, NJ to Muriel (Novack) and John Stack and was raised in East Paterson, now Elmwood Park, spending most of his summers as a child and teenager in Seaside Park where he worked on the Seaside Park Beach Control as a beach badge checker from 1968 through 1973, the last few years having been in charge of this department as Beach Sergeant.
After graduation from East Paterson Memorial High School, Joe and his mother made the permanent move to Seaside Park. Joe attended Monmouth College, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Following graduation Joe accepted a position with the Seaside Park Police Department prior to being “called up” in the draft during November 1972. He enlisted and served in the US Coast Guard, receiving the Meritorius Service Medal. When asked about his service, Joe frequently stated, “I was part of the last draft of Vietnam; the first newspaper I saw after bootcamp announced Nixon ends the draft!”
When his enlistment ended, Joe returned to Seaside Park becoming very active in the Seaside Park community serving on both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment, eventually chairing each Board. He served as Republican Municipal Chair for many years as well as having held various leadership positions within the Seaside Park Republican Club throughout the years. Joe was also very involved in the parish community of St. Catharine of Siena Church. In 1977 the pastor asked Joe and Richard Miranti if they would step up as the first Eucharistic Ministers in the parish.
Together they drove to various locations the Bishop appointed for the training that was required at that time. Joe remained active in distributing the Eucharist to the elderly and infirmed as requested until his death. At St. Catharine’s, Joe also served as Trustee, Parish Council member and leadership seats, member of the Finance Committee, Knights of Columbus Council #8415 Rev. Gebhard Braungart and an active member of the Parish Pre-Cana Program under the direction of the Diocese of Trenton. Joe also served when Ocean’s Harbor House reached out for his support. He served in fundraising capacities as well as on the Board, eventually as President. A long time member of the Seaside Park Yacht Club, Joe especially enjoyed pre and post season gatherings on the docks, back porch and in the bar. Joe was a very gracious host always ready for a party and good laughs. Birthdays and the Christmas season were very boisterous times. His enthusiasm for life was boundless and will forever be missed.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Muriel (Novack) and John Stack. Known to his family as Bausch he is survived by Joann, his wife of 45 years, son Ryan, daughter Andrea, son in love Bill, cherished grandchildren and the lights of his life Calvert, Delaney and Ean; an older brother David (MaryAnn) and several nieces and nephews.
