Joseph T. DeFoe

Joseph Thomas DeFoe of Parlin, NJ passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Joe was born in Elmont, New York on September 12, 1938, as a young boy, Joe grew up in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen with his father and grandparents.

Joseph graduated from St. Michael’s grammar school, Xavier High School in 1956 and Fordham University in 1960.

Joseph worked for the Coffee Exchange in New York City, a job which he started from High School until he graduated from Fordham University, a position which he held for approximately 10 years.

Joe also served honorably in the New Jersey National Guard and jokingly quipped that he was “keeping Fidel Castro at bay knowing “Joe DeFoe” was in the US military service!”

He had a mid-life career change and attended Chubb Institute in the late 70s to become a computer programmer (COBOL) and retired from GAB ( General Adjustment Bureau ) as a Program Analyst.

Joe also had two sons, Christopher Thomas and Gregory Patrick who grew up in Parlin, NJ.

Joe married Myrna Malpeta in 1988 and they have been happily married ever since. Joe was an avid reader, bargain hunter, and history buff as well as known for his unique wit and humor.

Joe and Myrna enjoyed traveling, cruising and various types of excursions together. They both enjoyed working outdoors as well.

Those who knew him, remember him as having a warm, loving and welcoming personality, a truly good man who fervently loved God, his family and his country. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart parish in South Amboy, NJ and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna of 38 years and his son Christopher and Gregory who predeceased his father.

Friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4pm to 8pm at the Kurzawa Funeral Home, 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879. 

A 10 am funeral mass will be offered at Sacred Heart Church, South Amboy, NJ on Friday, April 10, 2026, and burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parlin, NJ