Joseph N. Speciale

Joseph N. Speciale born on April 30, 1953 in Newark, NJ passed away on April 3, 2026.  Raised in East Orange and Montville, Joe attended Boonton High School, and  went on to also graduate from Lincoln Technical Institute.

At the age of 21, he began his extensive career in HVAC.  After thirty years, he changed paths and became a NJ Transit conductor, where he adored his “Transit Family”.    

Joe was a deeply passionate person who befriended anyone he met. He often stretched his compassion to total strangers, who later became new friends. 

Joe was most intrigued by trying new hobbies and mastering them. He was a self taught; musician, artist, and gourmet cook. He loved the Yankees and enjoyed beer can and baseball card collecting. His most recent hobby was making ice cream. Joe created over 400 exotic flavors under the guise of “Joey Scoops”.  Joe also had a special devotion to Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen.  He spent ten years donating his time by dishwashing, food prepping, and creating ice cream flavors for them.

Joe deeply loved his daughters and grandchildren. He beamed at their successes and smiled as if they were his own accomplishments. Joe was loyal to his mother, spending many of his days in and out of her house helping.

Joe is predeceased by his father, Nicholas Speciale, sister-in-law, Susan Speciale, along with his furry companion, Sasha.  He is the devoted son of Lucy Speciale and brother of Anthony Speciale.  Joe is survived by his daughters, Karen Vanderburgh (Shannon Terry) and Lauren Rossi (Michael Rossi), and grandchildren, Ava, Luke, Amber, and Brian, along with his sweet pup, Marco.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8th from 5pm-7pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 Saint Catherine Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08755. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 9th, 11am at Good Shepherd American Reformed Catholic Church, 1890 Whitesville Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755.

In lieu of flowers, please support Joe’s passion of feeding the hungry by making an electronic donation in his honor to jbjsf.org or by mailing a check to “Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation” at 1600 Market Street, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.