It is with great sorrow, but with the utmost of love and gratitude that we announce the passing of Joseph Paz of Clifton, NJ. Joe passed away April 18th, 2023 from complications of life stresses that affected his all so loving heart.

Joe was born on October, 7th 1945 in Passaic, NJ.  His childhood was marked by stories of great friendships and bonds of loyalty with his brother, Edward, and close neighborhood and high school friends.  He was the catcher for Passaic High School Baseball where his teammates called him Jos (hose). He went on to try out for the NY Yankees where a knee injury ultimately sidelined him from the sport he so loved. It was in the 9th grade that he met Barbara (Zalesny), his loving, caring, and devoted wife of 56 years. Out of high school, Joe worked for Duratest lightbulb factory for a short time before he teamed up with his father and brother to purchase and manage Passaic's Stein's Cafe. After many years, the threesome started their own real estate endeavors with the purchase of Catherine Arms apartments in Garfield. Joe was a compassionate landlord where he felt that his tenants were an extension of his own family. His office, up to a few weeks ago, was a revolving door of tenants stopping by to say hi to Joe. It was commonplace for him to joke with the kids of his properties while always encouraging them to work hard and to do good in school. He took a genuine interest in all of their lives, giving gifts on their special occasions. Growing up, many of his tenant's children saw him as their own grandpa. As a kid, you couldn't help but feel special when he handed you a $2 bill.

Joe's ultimate accomplishments in life were his titles of DAD and POP. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Along with Barbara, he tirelessly guided and taught his children the true value of hard work and the importance of family. He was always involved as swim coach, swim official, little league coach, and division president, football coach, fundraising coordinator, track coach, and traveled the country with his kids to swim meets and running races. In all aspects of fatherhood, he was a true provider.

For as long as he was physically able, his 6 grandchildren kept him occupied with many sporting events to attend. It was often a challenge for him to refrain from coaching from the sidelines. He loved his many travel adventures and trips to his Naples, Florida condo, always with his family by his side. On a sunny day you could always find Joe chatting with friends and neighbors in his garage. Joe ultimately loved all people. And for all those who met him, loved and adored him in return.

Left to complete their own journey, Joe is survived by his selfless wife, Barbara; supportive children Catherine Paz-Fitzgerald, Jacqueline Paz-Schimmel and her husband Lou, son, Joseph Paz and his wife Amy.

Six grandchildren: Brandon Schimmel(19), Alex Schimmel(17), Kieran Fitzgerald (14), Joseph Paz (11), Hayley Paz (9), and Christian Paz (7), and granddogs Lincoln and Loxley. Also, his loving and kind niece, Denise Paz and her fiancé Mark DeGregory; loving sister in law Joan Franzoni and her children Ed Franzoni and Lynn Witkowski along with their spouses and children; sister and brother in law Patti and Joe Zalesny.

Celebrating and welcoming him into the Kingdom of Heaven are his father and mother, Edward and Catherine Paz; brother, Edward Paz, his wife Joyce and their children Edward and Darren. His son in law Bob Fitzgerald, sister and brother in law Rosemarie and LeRoy Hoentz, their children Robert and Richard; mother and father in law, Josephine and John Zalesny, brother in law John Zalesny; good friend Mike Harvan, granddog Cooper and countless friends and family all join with him to celebrate his beautiful life.

Visiting Sunday 2 - 6 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral Service Monday 8:45 AM at the funeral home and 10 AM at St. Philip the Apostle RC Church, Clifton. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Saddle Brook.