Joseph Peter Viola, 88, of Glassboro, passed away at home on September 6, 2026, surrounded by family.

Joe was born September 4, 1938. Son of the late James and Lorenzi (Cattafi).

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Edith Joan (Oland).

Dedicated father to Debra Phillips (Nicholas), JoAnn Caswell (Clint) and James Viola (Karen). Loving grandfather to Christina Caswell-Pedone (Jarrod), James Viola (Alison), Andrew Viola (Megan) and Nicholas Phillips. Great-grandfather to Leonardo, Cora, Michael and Oliver. Cherished brother to Vera Corradetti, Angelina Rowson and the late Rachel Giorgi.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews but considered Joseph and Diane Rowson to be like his own children. He is also survived by his cousin, Joe Cattafi, whom he grew up with and was very special to him.

The son of 1^st generation Italian immigrants, Joe was a lifelong resident of Glassboro and member of St. Bridget Parish.

He attended Glassboro High School, where he met his late wife, Joan.

They raised their three children in Glassboro.

And as much as it has changed, Glassboro was home.

He retired as an electrician from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351, keeping in touch with his Union friends Marion Kennedy and Pete Randazzo.

He was a great cook, often using his mother’s recipes. He loved to bake for holidays and especially loved to eat crabs and red sauce.

Joe also enjoyed traveling and he was lucky enough to be able to go to Sicily to see the house his mother was born in. He also loved his regular trips to Lancaster and going to the casinos with his sisters and his longtime friend, Janet.

But above all, Joe loved spending time with his family, and his legacy will be carried forward by those closest to him. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary father, grandfather and man he was.

Funeral Mass will be held Thursday September 10^th at 11:00am at St. Bridget University Parish,125 Church St., Glassboro, NJ 08028. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to St. Bridget University Parish or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.