Florham Park, NJ – Joseph Leonardis, 84, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 23, 2026, surrounded by his entire family.
Joe was born and raised in the “Down Neck” section of Newark before settling in Florham Park, where he resided for many years. A third-generation funeral director, he proudly owned and operated the family-run Leonardis Memorial Home, serving his community for over 60 years alongside his son, Victor J. and grandsons, Salvatore and Joseph. Joe dedicated his life to bringing comfort and peace to families during their most difficult moments, honorably serving the deceased with the utmost dignity and compassion.
This same passion and dedication extended into his personal life as an avid and respected horseman. Partnering with his son in the D’Elegance Stable, they shared a love for horses and successfully owned many world champion harness horses, including two-time Older Male Pacer of the Year Red Bow Tie.
A truly selfless man, Joe divided his time between his career, his community, and his loved ones. He was a member of NJFDA and the USTA, as well as a long-time member of the Florham Park/East Hanover Elks and the Italian American Club, where he committed his time to fundraising for children with disabilities, disabled veterans, and various charitable organizations.
Above all else, Joe’s own family was his entire life and purpose. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, family dinners, and watching the N.Y. Yankees. He always had a classic story or a clever joke to tell and never turned down a hot dog run (a pooch to him)! He cherished every single moment simply being surrounded by those he loved the most.
Devoted father of Gina M. Tassielli, her husband Nicholas, Victor J. Leonardis and his wife, Justine. Cherished “Pop” of Janet M. Prizzi, her husband Bobby, Salvatore J. Iossa, his wife Leighann, Frankie V. Tassielli, his wife Stephanie, Nicole M. Tassielli, her fiancé Zack, Joseph R. Leonardis and Gia M. Leonardis. Proud great-grandfather of Vincent Prizzi, Ava Prizzi, Demi Iossa, Nicolette Iossa, Nina Tassielli and Nicky Tassielli. Loving uncle of Maria Pomante, Nicholas Loconte, Frank Cagnina, Kimberly Ness, Yvonne Collina and Salvatore Cagnina. Brother-in-law of James Cagnina and his wife Sharon. Also survived by many cousins and friends.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Ginger Leonardis of 61 years, his parents Victor J. & Marie Leonardis, his sister Meryl Loconte, his in-law’s Frank and Josephine Cagnina, and his brother-in-law Sal Cagnina.
Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Monday (Oct. 26) from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday (Oct. 27) at Holy Family Church in Florham Park at 11:30 a.m., followed by the entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.