Born in Morristown, NJ, Joe graduated from New Providence High School in 2012, and went on to Union County Vocational-Technical School where he received a degree in Electrical Technology. For the past three years, Joe lived in Delray Beach, Florida where he worked as an HVAC Technician for Jones AC.
From a very young age, Joe was an exceptional athlete. He played baseball, football, and basketball all through high school, helping the New Providence Pioneers football team win the State Championship in 2010. He enjoyed staying active and always kept athletics in his life, with a passion for coaching youth basketball, keeping up with sports statistics, and persistently rooting for the New York Jets.
Joe was a dog whisperer and an old soul, whose love of music spanned across genres – from Def Leppard to The Temptations. He was passionate about helping other people whenever and wherever he could, often putting the needs of others before his own. He had a big heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and an infectious smile that brightened up a room like no other. He was full of life and embraced every day while fighting bravely through his daily battles.
Joe was a loving son, a beloved grandchild, a devoted boyfriend, and a wonderful friend. One of the brightest lights has been extinguished from this world, and he will be missed greatly by all those whose lives he touched.
Donate to the Joseph D. Callahan-Ferratti Fund here.
*In the Notes section of the donation page, please include your association with Joseph (e.g. family, friend, etc.)
Additionally, cash contributions may be made by check payable and mailed to:
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Post Office Box 338
Morristown, New Jersey 07963-0338
For wiring instructions for cash contributions, please contact: Lydia Gracey at (973) 267-5533 or lgracey@cfnj.org
The goal of the Joseph D. Callahan-Ferratti Foundation is to offer funds in one or in a combination of the following ways:
- To provide support and assistance for individuals and their families who are struggling with the disease of addiction. The Fund will select organizations whose purpose and focus is on recovery, prevention, and helping to heal individuals and families from the disease of addiction. These programs and organizations will offer treatment placement assistance, recovery coaching, housing scholarships, and family support services.
- To provide funds for non-profit animal rescue groups that focus on second chance opportunities for unwanted and abandoned animals. The Fund will offer financial support to such organizations that sole purpose is providing food, shelter, veterinary services, foster care, spay neuter services and adoption assistance to animals in their care.
- To provide tuition assistance to students wishing to pursue a career in the trades. The Fund will partner with local institutions/High Schools that encourage careers in the trades and will offer selected individuals scholarship funds upon acceptance and enrollment into such vocational programs.
Those who donate $50 or more may receive one memorial coin.
