Born March 11,1929 in Hammond, IN, Joseph L Papa was the surviving twin of Carmelo T. Papa and Grace Spinelli, both Sicilian American immigrants. Surviving early childhood medical issues was the genesis of his middle name:  Fortunato, which was translated to Lucky when he entered school in Calumet City, IL.  Love of family and a life-long pursuit of learning was instilled at an early age.

Following high school graduation, he was drafted and served during the Korean War in the US Army from 1951 – 1953, where he achieved the rank of Corporal in the Military Police earning a Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star along with a United Nations Service medal.  As an MP, he escorted numerous Generals and met several dignitaries and USO entertainers.  His military service was a pivotal point in his life.  Returning state-side, it was at Ft. Dix, NJ where he met Rosemarie Verducci, of Perth Amboy, NJ.  Following his discharge, he returned to his home in Calumet City, IL, where he continued government service as a civilian at the US Postal Service and using the GI Bill benefits enrolled in night school at Purdue University, Calumet Campus.  He courted his future wife Rosemarie long distance with weekend visits, and they married in NJ 1955 and settled to Calumet City.  Following graduation from Purdue in 1955 he then pursued his life-long career of optometry.  Graduating summa cum laude from Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago IL in 1959, he received numerous academic and clinical awards, graduating Salutatorian.

Joe & Rosemarie then moved to NJ, where he opened his office as a solo practitioner in Woodbridge, NJ.  He was a staff affiliate at Roosevelt Hospital.  They moved to Edison, NJ in 1971 and Joe served on the City of Edison Planning Board from 1964 -1974.  Using his core values of love, faith and family, along with his business acumen, and innovation, his practice expanded.  Many of his patients were from Holy Rosary Parish, and he treated generations of families as his family, sharing in their joys, trials and life events.

He was passionate about serving others and giving back, with the upmost care in compassionate service and quality.  To treat the needs of his multigenerational, cultural, and socioeconomic levels optometrists with specific expertise.  Additionally, an office manager and opticians who fabricated all glasses in house were hired.  With a spirit of collaboration and service to the greater community, Dr. Papa and this group relocated and together, they became Professional Eyecare Services, the premier eyecare practice in NJ treating over 34,000 patients throughout his career.  Truly, Dr. Papa was a prominent leader and voice in the community and was a member of NJ State and American Optometric Associations.   His practice became recognized for excellence in numerous publications, and patients traveled from out of state to continue their eyecare services and relationships with Dr. Papa.

Dr. Papa retired in 2009, and continued his love of history, worldwide travel, gardening, and learning.  A voracious reader throughout his life, he continued to read 8 – 9 hours daily as a resident of the NJ Veterans Home, Menlo Park, including 2 newspaper subscriptions.

He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Rosemarie, his brother Steven Papa (his wife Lucille), sister Lucille (nee Papa) Sidote and her husband, Philip, and brother-in law, John Verducci.  Dr. Papa is survived by his nieces, and nephews and their families:  Hon. Nancy Sidote (John) Salyers, nephews Daniel (Amanda) and their children Calvin and Bennett; Michael (Kate) Salyers and their children Charlie, Louie and Camille, all residing in Chicago, IL; Linda Sidote, Carmel, IN; Lisa Verducci Tonery, and her family Shane and Kelsey of Edison, NJ; Steven Papa, Chicago, IL; Therese Papa Janus, (John) Jake and Connie with Emmitt , SC; Tina Papa Alexander (Bob) WA; and Lisa Papa Krueger (Mike), IL; Dan (Paula) Heulitt, Anthony and Danielle, NJ; Jamie (Scott) Priester, Sydney and Zachary, PA; Tricia (Cliff) Hurley, CJ, Kira and Derek NJ; and Evelyn (Rob) Wasilik and Ryleigh, NJ.  In addition, his survivors include numerous extended family members, godchildren, 2nd cousins, his long-time friend Gina Thomas and close personal friends throughout his life, including his childhood.

Dr. Papa was a friend and/or mentor to all who knew him and a steadfast source of support.  He was an example of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Dr. Papa by paying it forward with an act of kindness, words of encouragement, or a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 pm, at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords, NJ 08863.  Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 9:45 am at the funeral home followed by a 10:30 am Funeral Liturgy at the Most Holy Rosary Church of Good Shepherd Parish.  Interment will immediately follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery.