Joseph L. Gagliardi

Joseph L. Gagliardi, 78 of Eltingville, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with dementia on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Menlo Park VA Home in Edison, New Jersey. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and lifelong New York City native. He lived a life marked by quiet strength, steadfast loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to family, service, and community. Born July 7, 1947, in Brooklyn, NY he was the son of the late Antonio and Antoinette Gagliardi. Joseph carried the values of hard work, determination, and pride in all that he did. Shortly after graduating high school, he answered his country’s call and enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably during the Vietnam War as a sharpshooter. His service was not something he spoke of often, but it was deeply woven into the fabric of who he was—marked by resilience, humility, and duty. After moving to Staten Island, Joseph married the love of his life, Helen, with whom he built a home grounded in devotion, laughter, and enduring partnership. Together they raised their family built in their deep-rooted Italian heritage. For decades, Joseph dedicated his professional life to ADT as an electrical engineer, where his reliability and work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Outside of work, he was a man in constant motion. An avid runner, he was well known throughout Staten Island, often spotted trotting its streets in his signature running outfits. He was also a passionate bicyclist and weightlifter, believing firmly in the value of physical strength and discipline. Joseph didn’t keep that passion to himself. In his home gym, he taught his children—and many of their friends—not only how to lift weights, but how to show up consistently, work hard, the power of the Rocky movie soundtracks, and support one another. He also gave back to his community not only in managing the gym for his local YMCA gym but also as a dedicated member of the Monsignor Farrell High School football chain gang, proudly contributing his time to support the athletes and the school he loved. Above all, Joseph was a family man. After the loss of his wife, Helen, Joseph found a new partner in his second wife, Joan Matarazzo, to spend his later years with. He leaves behind his brother Anthony Gagliardi, his beloved children, Joseph and Patricia, his cherished grandchildren, Isabella, Elizabeth, and Domonic, and his numerous friends and extended family, each of whom carries forward his strength, values, and unmistakable spirit. Joseph L. Gagliardi will be remembered for his service to his country, his devotion to his family, his physical and moral strength, and the steady presence he offered to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the love he gave, and the example he set. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Thursday at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10312. Private Cremation to follow The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. Memorial contributions in memory of Joseph may be made to Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home132 Evergreen Rd Edison, NJ 08837.

Joseph L. Gagliardi

July 7, 1947 - April 25, 2026