Obituary of Joseph Francomacaro

Joseph M. Francomacaro passed away peacefully, on Tuesday March 26, 2013 after a long and very courageous battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by his large, loving family and many friends all who have admired and are inspired by his faith in God, his courage, strength, determination and often times, his humor as he faced so many trials during his long fight. Joe's fighting spirit led him on to be able to spend his final days at home surrounded by his family with his faithful pets by his side. Joe grew up in Netcong and graduated from Netcong High School and served a tour for the US Army in Vietnam proudly serving in Charlie Company, Is1 Battalion, 23rd Infantry from September 1969-70 and was the recipient of two Bronze Stars. He worked for Ultra Poly in Portland, PA before his retirement in 2008. Joe married Deborah Gunther in Dillon, SC on April 12, 1985 with his Mom and Dad at his side. Joe and Deborah would have celebrated 28 years of marriage this April. He loved his family, cooking, taking cruises, playing the lottery and his animals. Joe was a member of St. Michael's Parish in Netcong, a former member of Netcong Hilltop Fire Co., past member of the Netcong Knights of Columbus Council and the American Legion Post #278 in Stanhope. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Mario A. Francomacaro who Joe always referred to as his hero. Survivors include his loving wife Deborah (Gunther), his son Joseph and wife, Michelle of Hopatcong, son Ryan VanEmburg and wife, Melanie of Franklin, his wonderful mother, Marjorie Francomacaro of Netcong, three brothers, Mario Francomacaro and wife, Carol of Forks Twp., PA, Frank Francomacaro and wife, Donna of Blairstown and Anthony Francomacaro and wife Darlene of Sciota, PA; two sisters Rosemarie Osiecki and husband, Lawrence of Belvidere and Annamarie Sponaugle and husband Michael of Vernon, three step grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.