Joseph J. Cristiano, Jr. peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Bridgeway Care Center in Bridgewater, NJ. Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 4, 1944 to the late Joseph J. Cristiano, Sr and Rosalie Vantagiata. Joe was a first generation Italian-American on his father's side. Joe was happily married to Valerie Hansen Cristiano and just recently celebrated their 30 ^th wedding anniversary.

Joe attended Gannon College (University) where he studied Political Science and Adelphi University. He proudly served in the Air Force from 1964 to 1967 as an Inventory Management Specialist and a Supervisor in the Machine Records Unit. After college and the Air Force, Joe worked as a salesman and trainer in the copier industry for Litton, Cannon, Royal Business Machines, AB Dick, and Toshiba where he was presented a watch by the company president for his outstanding service. Joe then opened his own Carvel store in Florham Park, NJ where he became quite proficient in making ice cream, ice cream cakes, and other novelties. After a number of years, Joe closed the ice cream store and went into substitute teaching for many years mainly at Hanover Park High School. His students affectionately called him their "Italian Sub". One time while at the beach, a group of his students came over to him and shook his hand and told him how much they enjoyed having him as their substitute teacher. Joe enjoyed target shooting at the Florham Park Pistol and Rifle Club for many years and then at Tactical Training Center in Flemington once he moved to the area. He also was a longtime member and former President of the Northern New Jersey Section of the Mercedes Benz Club of America and enjoyed showing his different vehicles over the years at various events. Joe was well known for his sense of humor and his wonderful singing voice. He enjoyed traveling and over the past few years he traveled to Scotland, Panama, Italy, Colorado, and most recently a river cruise on the Lower Mississippi.

He is survived by his loving wife, Valerie; daughter Denise and her husband Chris George of Piscataway; daughter Kimberly Smith of Bound Brook; and granddaughter Sheryl Ann of Clarence, NY; sister Rose Marie Lonergan of Boynton Beach Fl; brother-in-law and sister -in-law Clay and Cindy Hansen; and many nephews, nieces and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Joe also leaves behind his two standard poodles, Poppy whom he called his "angel" and Zeva.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Somerset Animal Shelter 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807, or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Services will be private and a memorial service will be held at a later date.