Obituary of Joseph T. McHale

Joseph T. McHale passed at home on May 5, 2021.  He shared 88 years of faith and love with everyone he met.  Friends and relatives may visit on Monday May 10^th from 3-7 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Ave. Denville.  Military Honors will be present. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the good work of Catholic Charities or to the National Museum of the United States Army by way of www.inmemof.org. 

***For those unable to attend Mass, you can watch it live by clicking on this link***

Joe was born in Jersey City on a brisk sunny February day in 1933.  He was one of two sons to bless the family.  After his schooling he enlisted in the US Army proudly serving our country.  Upon his honorable discharge he returned home and married the love of his life, Bernice Gumbrecht on October 18, 1956.   They lived in Clifton shortly and then headed west where they made their home in Denville and have resided for over 50 years.

Joseph retired as VP from Jane’s Publishing after 27 years of hard work. Joe and Barney were blessed with four children of their own and he worked hard to provide a good life for his family.  Outside of work, Joe was heavily involved in this community and truly gave of himself to others.  He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post #2519 and served as Past Commander with them. He was a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society for many years.  He was a volunteer and donated much of his time to St. Mary’s MASH (Meals on Wheels) and Catholic Charities.  He served as an Usher, a Eucharistic Minister and a Senior Acolyte.  He delivered food and clothing to Paterson residents for many years.  Joe enriched so many lives and we are all better people for it. 

Above all his charitable work, what Joe loved the most was watching his children and his grandchildren in their sporting events.  He was always their biggest fan.  He enjoyed Holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with his family and dearest friends.  Although we are saddened by this tremendous loss, we take comfort in knowing Joe and Barney are united again and we have faith that they will be watching over us with love. 

Predeceased by his beloved wife Bernice in 2019; he leaves joyful memories to his children Geralyn Di Rupo (Paul), Joseph McHale Jr. (Lauren), Robert McHale (Becky) and Matthew McHale (Lora); his dear brother Leo McHale (Joyce); his adored grandchildren Cori Mazzacca (Dan), Chad Di Rupo, Joseph, Laurel, Jenna, Matthew and Brendan McHale, Brianna Kesslick and Ross & Blake Armstrong; his great granddaughters Gianna and Amelia; and many more dear relatives and treasured friends.