Joseph Ippolito

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Ippolito, the cherished patriarch of our family, on December 31, 2024.  Born on September 1, 1946 in Gorga, a province of Salerno, Italy, he was the third of six children born to Tobia & Lucrezia Ippolito.  Joseph lived a life defined by love, integrity and an unwavering commitment to his family.  A devoted husband to his cherished wife, Patricia Ippolito, and proud father to his late daughter, Robin Marie. The loss of his daughter was a heartbreak he carried with quiet strength, but his enduring love for her was evident in every memory he shared of her. 

From very humble beginnings, Joseph forged a life built on perseverance and an extraordinary work ethic.  With a vision and determination few could match, he built a thriving family business, Podewitz Liquor & Deli- that became both a cornerstone of the Heights Community in Jersey City and a source of stability and pride for his entire family.  His commitment to this endeavor not only sustained his loved ones but also left a lasting legacy of resilience and success. 

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ippolito (nee Vreeland); His sister Sanitella Santangelo(nee Ippolito) and her husband Frank Santangelo; His sister Elvira Hassan (nee Ippolito) and her husband Alaa Hassan; His brother Johnie Ippolito; his niece Carmela Bello (nee Santangelo) and her husband Angelo Bello; His nephew Dr. Tobia Ippolito, and his wife Anne Ippolito; his niece Lucretia Lord (nee Santangelo) and her husband Timothy Lord; his nephew Dan Ippolito and his wife Anne Ippolito; his niece Maggie McGuire (nee Khiry) and her husband Ryan McGuire; his niece Melissa Bengen (nee Khiry) and her husband John Bengen; his niece Dina Gerbasio (nee Khiry) and her husband Vincent Gerbasio; his niece Amanda Orellana (nee Hassan) and her husband Rafael Orellana; and his nephew Adam Hassan.  He is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless cousins both here in the United States and in Italy.  He is predeceased by his parents, Tobia & Lucrezia Ippolito (nee Caroccia); his daughter Robin Marie; His sister Mary Khiry and brother Olivio Ippolito; his nephew Frank Santangelo.

Visitation will be on Sunday January 5, 2025 from 2:00-6:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City. (For GPS navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street). Funeral service will be on Monday January 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s RC Church, 511 Pavonia Ave. Jersey City and interment to follow at Holy Name Cemetery, 823 Westside Ave., Jersey City NJ 07306.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.https://www.stjude.org/