Joseph “Joe Bones” Cirone (obituary)

Joseph Rocco Cirone passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he was the son of Antonette and Nicholas Cirone, and brother of Cono and Barbara. Affectionately known as “Joe Bones,” his slim build earned him a nickname that stayed with him and still brings a smile to those who knew him best.

Joe was selected to attend Brooklyn Tech, one of New York City’s most competitive high schools, an achievement he carried with quiet pride. In 1961 he began his long and accomplished career at AT&T. From the mailroom to management, he held more than 20 positions over the course of 35 years – a testament to his talent and strong work ethic. After retiring from AT&T, he began a successful second career in Risk Management at Aon.

Joe also served his country with honor. From 1965 to 1967, he was a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Korea and working as a radio mechanic.

In 1968, Joe married Amelia Tirino. Introduced on a blind date, arranged by their mothers who worked together, it was love at first sight for Joe. This was the beginning of a beautiful 57-year marriage filled with devotion, partnership, and joy.

As his career advanced, Joe and Amelia moved from Queens to the suburbs of New Jersey, first settling in Flanders and later in Long Valley, where they raised their four children. Joe helped create a home filled with warmth and humor, where the door was always open for anyone who needed a warm bed, a hot meal, or even a glass of homemade wine.

Joe’s passions were many: hosting lively parties, traveling, decorating the house for the holidays to be the best on the block, watching his beloved Mets and Jets, and working on his Lionel trains. But above all, he was happiest with family and good friends – no time was more precious than Sunday dinners.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Amelia, and their four children: Antonette and her partner Chris; Grace and her husband Brian; Cono and his wife Stephanie; and Nicole and her husband Mike. He also leaves behind eight treasured grandchildren: Gina and her fiancé Tyler, Amelia, Alex, Andrew, Eliza, Aaron, Loretta, and Eva—each one a reminder of the beautiful life he built.

He is also survived by his sister, Barbara, many nieces and nephews, and is predeceased by his parents, his brother Cono, and Cono’s wife Donna.

Joe Cirone’s legacy is defined by generosity, integrity, honesty, his faith in God, a pure love of life and an unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. His memory will be cherished and carried forward by all who were lucky enough to know him.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption, 302 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 at 11:00 am.  The burial will be immediately following the Mass at Pequest Union Cemetery, 30 Cemetery Road, Great Meadows, NJ 07838.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/