Joseph Petocz

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Joseph Petocz of Fairfield, NJ. Joseph died peacefully in his home on February 10, 2024, he was 86 years old. 

Joseph was born in Hungary on September 15, 1937 to Janos & Lidia. He was the oldest of four siblings (Janos, Sara & Lidia). He was trained as a welder and was a prized welterweight boxer. Joseph was a proud participant of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters. He escaped Hungary during the 1956 Revolution where he lived in Sweden until he joined his brother in New Jersey on Christmas eve of 1957. He would often reminisce about coming to America with just one suitcase and was proud of the accomplishments he made for his family.  

In 1961 Joseph fell in love with his beautiful wife, Katalin. They raised 3 loving children, Katherine, Linda and Joseph. After many years of hard work, he started his own business, United Welding & Plumbing in 1976. Where he was lovingly known as “Papa Joe” to his employees and customers alike. He taught his family to always respect others and to treat them with kindness. He was a humble man. He loved “eb.body” and everybody loved him.

Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family. He often told them how proud he was of them. Joseph loved traveling and especially spending time at the lake house. He loved it when his whole family was there. This brought him so much joy and happiness. Joseph loved to sing Hungarian songs. He was involved in the Hungarian Club in Garfield and loved attending Hungarian Mass at St. Stephens Magyar Church in Passaic.

Joseph left behind his loving wife, Katalin Friedrich. His three loving children, Katherine Gaspar (Russell Bethon), Linda Mauriello, and Joseph A. Petocz (Christina) He left behind seven adoring grandchildren, Ferenc (Kathryn) and  Samantha Gaspar, Frank and Nicholas Mauriello, Jacqueline, Joseph, and Dylan Petocz and 4 Great Grandchildren Julianna & Norris Brown, Carter Rae Wehner, and Cayden Jozsef Gaspar.

Joseph left behind his only surviving loving sibling, Sara Kakuk (Geza).

Visitation 2/16/24, 2-4pm and 6-8pm 

Stellato Funeral Home

7 Two Bridges Road

Fairfield, NJ  07004

Hungarian Funeral Mass 2/17/24 10am

St. Stephen's Magyar Church

217 3rd Ave. 

Passaic, NJ 07055

Entombment to Follow

Laurel Grove Mausoleum

295 Totowa Road

Totowa, NJ  07512 

Donations can be made in his name to St. Stephen’s Magyar Church,

217-221 3rd Avenue, Passaic, NJ.07055