Joseph M. Bristow, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, on March 23, 1941, passed away at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon Township, NJ, on January 28, 2025. A man deeply devoted to his community, Joseph dedicated his life to service, education, and faith. He will be remembered as a true gentleman whose kindness and grace touched everyone he met.
Joseph graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree and went on to earn a Master’s degree from Villanova University. He also completed doctoral courses at the New School for Social Research, exemplifying his lifelong passion for learning and education. For over four decades, Joseph served as a beloved professor at the County College of Morris (CCM), where he inspired countless students and colleagues with his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Beyond the classroom, he was a cornerstone of his community, lending his time and leadership to various causes and organizations.
As a Town Councilman, a member of the Board of Adjustment, and a member of the Library Board, Joseph worked tirelessly to enhance his community. He was also a founding member of the Committee for Crime Prevention (known as the DARE program), demonstrating his commitment to creating a safer and more just environment. His dedication extended to the younger generation as a devoted Little League coach, where he taught not just the fundamentals of the game but also the values of teamwork and perseverance.
Faith was central to Joseph’s life. He was a dedicated member of Trinity United Methodist Church and actively participated in the United Methodist Men’s group. His unwavering belief in the power of community and spirituality was evident in all that he did.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Stasia and John Bristow, and his brother, Matthew and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Bristow . He leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia, with whom he shared a loving and devoted partnership for 64 years. Together they raised three wonderful children: his son, Joseph, and his wife, Camille, in Lebanon, NJ; his daughter, Laurie Wear, in Kearneysville, WV; his son, Thomas Bristow, in Upperco, MD. He is also survived by his sister, Eileen Molloy, in Bristol, RI; his sister-in-law, Janet Bristow, in Farmington, CT; his four cherished grandchildren: Taylor Mason and her husband, Michael; Joseph Wear; Lauren Coviello and her husband, Paul; and Jessica Bristow and her wife, Jacque; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joseph will be remembered for his kindness, his dedication to others, and his passion for making a difference. His legacy of love, education, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. A celebration of life service will be held at a future date, where family and friends will gather to honor his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to:
Trinity United Methodist Church, 213 Main Street , Hackettstown, NJ 07840, www.catchthespirit.org
Or
Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation, 99 Sparta, NJ 07860, Newton, NJ 07860, karenannquinlanhospice.org
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Gary J. Kuipers, Sr. says
January 30, 2025 at 5:53 pmA true gentleman and scholar. Joe was a dedicated educator and public servant with a kind demeanor. My sincerest condolences to wife and family.
Pat Bristow and Family says
February 9, 2025 at 7:16 pmThank you Gary for your kind words about Joe and your condolences.
Peg Sheldon Russack says
January 30, 2025 at 7:16 pmDear Bristow Family, so sorry to hear this sad news. Joe was a true gentleman who I will always remember with a smile on his face. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat Bristow and Family says
February 9, 2025 at 7:19 pmThank you Peg for your condolences and kind words about Joe. I sure appreciate them.
Paul & Robin Wallace says
January 30, 2025 at 7:52 pmMrs. Bristow, all of the Bristow Family
My Wife Robin and I were so sorry to hear of my colleague on Council passing, and though I understand Councilman Bristow’s final years were very challenging, and His Home going to the presence of His LORD and Savior Jesus Christ real and reason for celebration, so sadly is the Sting of temporary separation real and painful.
Robin & I pray our FATHER in Heaven will grant you comfort as only HE can, through Christ Our LORD.
GOD Bless, Love
Paul & Robin Wallace
Matt Marciano says
January 31, 2025 at 1:36 amDear Pat and Family,
I am so sorry and saddened by the passing of Joe, who was a dear friend for over twenty years and was the driving force behind the implementation of the Youth and Government program when I taught at Saint Mary’s and he was on the town council.
Always thinking of others and always smiling, I will miss Joe and his humanistic concern for others.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rodger and Eileen Cornell says
January 31, 2025 at 4:01 amDear Pat, we were so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him… Sending our heartfelt sympathy to you and your children. May he rest in eternal peace 🙏🏻
Joy Snyder says
January 31, 2025 at 1:49 pmDear Pat and family….My Sincere Condolences to you all on the passing of Joe. Longtime friends for so many years;;;;;…Always a gentleman and scholar to all…You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Joy (Roorda) Snyder
Ginny and Tom Thorp says
January 31, 2025 at 5:52 pmDear Pat and family-
We send our deepest condolences to you on Joe’s passing. We enjoyed working with Joe through the years and being part of the same faith community. He will be greatly missed. May God surround you with love, comfort and peace.
Traci Washer says
February 1, 2025 at 12:14 pmGreat professor, and a kind man. Every one of us who were blessed to have taken his classes are better for it. Condolences to his family, he will be missed by many until we see him again in Heaven. I pray our Lord grants you all His peace through this time of loss.
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