Joseph B. Delaurentis

DeLAURENTIS, REV. JOSEPH B. – 91, of Absecon, New Jersey, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at home. Born in Brooklyn, New York on March 18, 1923 to Biagio and Josephine, immigrants from Italy, he was one of four children, predeceased by his brothers Arthur and Patrick and sister Rita. He was a veteran of World War II serving as a paratrooper in the army. Joseph worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 30 years, serving as a Regional Supervisor, being voted the best in the country. He was also an ordained Congregational minister, and served in churches in Brooklyn, New York; Massachusetts, and northern and southern New Jersey for 31 years, retiring from the Ventnor Community Church, where he served as an interim and guest speaker since 1974.

Over the years he worked with the Boy Scouts of America, served as the Chaplain of the Florence Crittenton Home for Unwed Mothers, served as president of the Interfaith Clergy of Absecon Island, served as Chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans for the state of New Jersey, was a member of the Absecon Clergy Fellowship, and the Chairman of the Schmeidler Charitable Trust Fund.

Joseph was a fan of classic movies, the music of Frank Sinatra, and enjoyed spending his winters in Homestead and Pembroke Pines, Florida, where he also preached as a guest speaker in various churches. He always loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol; his daughter Jill MacNamara (and husband Jim); his son Jeffrey; his son John (and wife Chrisoula); his grandchildren Joseph MacNamara, Joshua DeLaurentis (and wife Rebecca), Leah Keller (and husband Joshua), Sarah DeLaurentis, Victoria DeLaurentis, and George DeLaurentis; two great grandchildren Jedidiah and Abigail, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his grandson Thomas MacNamara.

Visitation will be from 10AM to11AM, with a service at 11AM, Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Absecon Presbyterian Church, 208 New Jersey Avenue. Burial will follow at Absecon Methodist Church Cemetery. Condolences may be posted at www.parselsfh.com.