Joseph D. Bozza, 69, of Spring Lake Heights, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2015, after a brief and courageous battle with melanoma.
Mr. Bozza was born and raised in Jersey City, and lived in Spring Lake for many years before moving to Spring Lake Heights five years ago. He was a proud alumnus of St. Peter’s Prep, St. Peter’s College, and Villanova University School of Law. He was a self-employed attorney and had practiced law in Jersey City for many years until his retirement in 2012.
He was a member of the New Jersey Bar Association.
Mr. Bozza enjoyed spending time at Monmouth Park, fishing, and vacationing in Florida with his family. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His nine grandchildren were the lights of his life. Nothing made Grandpa happier than bringing the kids to the “toy store,” fishing at Divine Park, or watching them surf at Brighton Beach.
Mr. Bozza was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Sophia (Baczewski) Bozza. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 44 years, Marianne (nee Thompson), and by his children and their spouses, Jane and Paul Drumm, of Hinsdale, Illinois, Thomas and Felicia Bozza, of South Amboy, Amy and Sean Hoffman, of Spring Lake Heights, and Jill and Ralph Doran, of Abingdon, Maryland. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie, Lindsey, Faith and Emily Drumm, Casey and Madeline Hoffman, and Jake, Abigail, and Michael Doran. In addition, Mr. Bozza is survived by his siblings, Diane McEver, of Estero, Florida, Daniel and Joan Bozza, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Michael and Deborah Bozza of Montville, as well as by cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
Visitation will take place at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Highway 35, Wall, NJ, on Sunday, March 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake, on Monday, March 2, at 10:30 AM, followed by interment at St. Catharine Cemetery, Sea Girt. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Bozza’s memory may be made to the American Melanoma Foundation at www.melanomafoundation.org.