Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Joseph Urso passed away on October 24, 2017 at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.  He was predeceased by his wife Margaret of 67 years, who passed away earlier this year.

Joseph was born January 13, 1927 in the Bronx, served in the Army during World War II and graduated Woodbridge High School in N.J.  He was the son of the late Giuseppe and Catherine Urso, from Palermo, Italy.  For the past 50 years, he lived in Edison.

An energetic and intelligent entrepreneur, Joseph ran a highly successful building enterprise.  As founder, president, and owner of Ivy League Homes, he built countless homes and apartments in Middlesex and Union Counties.

Joseph was a devoted participant in his community.  For 43 years, he was a member of the Woodbridge Rotary Club, where he served in various positions, including President.  For his Rotary services, he received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow recognition.  Especially concerned with the wellbeing of young people, he organized donation drives for developmentally disabled children in the community and sponsored youth sports teams.

As past president and member of the Holy Name Society of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Joseph gave generously to his parish community.  He was an integral part in making St. Michael's annual venison dinner fundraiser a success.

Joseph led a full, animated life.  Each spring and summer, he planted and maintained a garden abundant with vegetables, which he eagerly shared with his family and friends.  He loved to travel with his family, especially to visit his wife's relatives in Hungary and his parents' hometown of Palermo.  He celebrated his Italian heritage with gusto, sharing the joys of opera and music with his grandchildren and always singing around the house.  An avid bowler, he was a member of the Woodbridge Rotary bowling team.

Above all, Joseph was a loving and kindhearted person who will be greatly missed by his family.

Joseph is survived by his three children, daughter Cynthia and husband Floyd, daughter Lauren and husband Daniel, and son David and partner Mary.  His memory lives on through his four devoted grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Matthew, Margaret, Christina, and Daniel II.  Joseph was also predeceased by brothers, Salvatore and John, and daughter-in-law Dianne.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 26, at Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue in Fords from 4 pm to 8 pm.  A Service of Divine Liturgy will be held to celebrate Joseph's life on Friday October 27 at 10:00 am at St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, 401 Hall Ave., Perth Amboy.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael's Church, PO Box 1297, Perth Amboy, NJ, and the American Cancer Society.