Joseph F. DeBiase, Sr.

On Monday, February 27, 2023, retired Dunellen Police Chief, our father, Poppop, brother, brother in law, Uncle, and friend “The Chief”,  Joseph F. DeBiase Sr. , surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren peacefully went to his heavenly home. 

The Chief was born on March 16, 1930 in Plainfield, and was a life long resident of Dunellen, until he and Jo retired and moved to Stuart, Fl. 

Joe attended Dunellen High School.   On June 11, 1957, he married Josephine Waldron.  They raised three children and spent sixty-two wonderful years together.  Shortly after getting married, he became a police officer in Dunellen.  Proudly serving his community, he worked his way up the ranks over the years to eventually become Chief of Police.  Police work was a true vocation for Joe and he proudly served and protected his family and community for decades.  He was a member of many organizations throughout his career.  New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Middlesex County Association of Chiefs of Police (Past President), New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (Past President), PBA, Rotary International in both Dunellen-Green Brook, New Jersey and Port Salerno,  Florida, and Knights of Columbus, to name a few.  He was well loved, respected, and admired by all colleagues, friends and members of the community.  Joe’s passion and commitment to helping others will forever live on.  His larger-than-life personality was contagious and engaging.  No matter where he went, everyone knew “The Chief.”

His family meant everything to him.  He made wonderful memories with his beloved wife, children and grandchildren that they will forever cherish. 

In addition to spending time with his family, he and Jo enjoyed traveling, attending various social engagements, dinner with friends, and attending police conventions.

Joe was greeted in heaven by his beloved wife Josephine, parents, Frank and Teresa DeBiase, and his sister Anne Carter.

He is survived by his 3 children, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  Sons; Joseph DeBiase and his wife Eileen of Bridgewater, Mark DeBiase and his wife Myra of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, daughter, Donna DeBiase and husband Randall Scott of Palm City, FL; grandchildren Heather and husband Jon, Nikki and partner Jill, Joseph and wife Jamie, Frank and wife Stephanie, August, Markie, Sophia, Tyler, Morgan, Hunter and Asher, great- grandchildren, Taylor, Luke, Jordyn, and Joey, brother, August DiBiase of Dunellen sister in laws; Sr. Margaret Waldron Sister of Mercy, Kathleen Waldron of Stuart, Fl, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to Tunnels to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/donate/) or the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/)

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