Obituary for Joseph Motley
Sadly, Joseph Patrick Motley has left us on Sunday, April 4, 2020, after a long illness. He was born in Elizabeth on March 12, 1933 to Mary and Joseph Motley, and graduated from Jefferson High School where he played football. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines an served as a parachute rigger in Korea. Joe received the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Defense, National Defense, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, for his service.
Joe met his wife Helen Wojcik at a friend’s wedding. It was the love of his life for 63 years with Helen and their children, Susan and Jude. Sadness came at the loss of his mother and dad, his daughter Jude, and his sister, Rita Gallager. Also, Susan’s husband, Peter Valentini and Jude’s husband, Bob Bowers, and sister Rita’s husband, Tom Gallager. Also, in-laws Ed and Veronica Wojcik and Al and Eleanor Wojcik.
Joe was employed by Exxon Research and Engineering. His work there had spurred him to go to night school at the New Jersey College of Engineering for nine years (part-time). Many times, he would say it was the best job he ever had. He retired after working at Exxon for 36 years.
Retiring brought new adventures. His favorite sports were skiing at Whiteface Mountain with family and friends; deep sea fishing off the Jersey Shore, Cabo San Lucas and Venezuela; and watching the New York Giants play and see them win the Superbowl XXV in Florida.
Joe and Helen travelled often to Europe, enjoying the mountains, rivers, and especially the humor of the Irish and Italians. One striking moment they shared together was the sun setting on the beautiful island of Santorini.
Joe had a happy life. He adored his grandchildren Alexandra and Peter Valentini, who lovingly referred to him as Pop Pop. He shared his life with many nieces and nephews, and friends. He had a quiet dignity with a splash of humor.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35, Wall. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 8th at 9:00 a.m. at St. Dominic’s RC Church, Brick. The interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Colonia.
**Due to Covid 19 restrictions there are capacity limitations and face masks and social distancing are required.
To send condolences please go to www.obrienfuneralhome.com.
Joe met his wife Helen Wojcik at a friend’s wedding. It was the love of his life for 63 years with Helen and their children, Susan and Jude. Sadness came at the loss of his mother and dad, his daughter Jude, and his sister, Rita Gallager. Also, Susan’s husband, Peter Valentini and Jude’s husband, Bob Bowers, and sister Rita’s husband, Tom Gallager. Also, in-laws Ed and Veronica Wojcik and Al and Eleanor Wojcik.
Joe was employed by Exxon Research and Engineering. His work there had spurred him to go to night school at the New Jersey College of Engineering for nine years (part-time). Many times, he would say it was the best job he ever had. He retired after working at Exxon for 36 years.
Retiring brought new adventures. His favorite sports were skiing at Whiteface Mountain with family and friends; deep sea fishing off the Jersey Shore, Cabo San Lucas and Venezuela; and watching the New York Giants play and see them win the Superbowl XXV in Florida.
Joe and Helen travelled often to Europe, enjoying the mountains, rivers, and especially the humor of the Irish and Italians. One striking moment they shared together was the sun setting on the beautiful island of Santorini.
Joe had a happy life. He adored his grandchildren Alexandra and Peter Valentini, who lovingly referred to him as Pop Pop. He shared his life with many nieces and nephews, and friends. He had a quiet dignity with a splash of humor.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35, Wall. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 8th at 9:00 a.m. at St. Dominic’s RC Church, Brick. The interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Colonia.
**Due to Covid 19 restrictions there are capacity limitations and face masks and social distancing are required.
To send condolences please go to www.obrienfuneralhome.com.