Joseph Zonca, Jr., 68, of Brick, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2016.
Mr. Zonca was born in Passaic and raised in Garfield, where he graduated from Garfield High School. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy. This was the beginning of a long and distinguished military career, during which he served in the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force, from which he retired as a Tech. Sgt. and C-130 Flight Engineer, with over 10,000 flying hours. He served in many locations, including Italy, where he met his beloved wife, Sandra. He was the recipient of numerous commendations throughout his career, and studied at the Air Force College. Mr. Zonca was also a member of the Garfield Police Department and the Garfield Volunteer Fire Department. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Zonca also retired as a Union laborer for Local 1153.
Mr. Zonca was predeceased by his parents, Joseph, Sr. and Angelina (LoPinto) Zonca. He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra DelCorona Zonca, daughters and their husbands, Angela Chiaia-White and Vincent Chiaia, of Point Pleasant Beach, and Cinzia and Gerald Moran, of Point Pleasant. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tristan Joseph, Lance William and Giovanna Noel White, and Michela Elizabeth Moran, and step-grandchildren, AnneMarie, Vincent and Francis Chiaia. Also surviving are his brothers, William Zonca, Sr., and his wife Sharon, of Green Twp., NJ, and Richard Zonca, of Wantage, NJ, as well as nephews and nieces, William, Jr., Joseph and Richard Zonca, Alicia Berg, and Cinzia Lutz. He was also survived by a dear cousin, Dyan DiPaolo, and her husband, Dr. Patrick DePaola.
Visitation will take place at O’Brien Funeral home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick, on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Church, Point Pleasant Beach, on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 11 AM, followed by military honors. Cremation will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Zonca’s memory may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, at www.themmfr.org.

Obituary for Joseph Zonca Jr.

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