Joseph Frank Anastasia, age 81, of Bluffton, SC, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025 after a brief illness.

Born on August 28, 1943, in Long Branch, NJ, Joe was the beloved son of Frank and Julia (Strollo) Anastasia. He was known for love of golf, cooking, gardening, traveling, and biking. He was proud of his Italian heritage, and he touched the lives of many through his career as a high school history teacher at Long Branch High School. Joe lived in Long Branch until his retirement in the mid-1990s, then moved to Hampstead, NC and lived there for several years. In 2008, he relocated to Bluffton, SC.  Joe was a graduate of Glassboro State College in NJ and earned a Master’s Degree from West Virginia University.

He is survived by his companion of 20 years, Elsa O’Connor, his sister, Joyce Gallo, nephew Frank Crisci (Laurie), niece Dana Dominy (Ross), stepson Brian McKevitt (Monica), as well as many dear friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Carol Anastasia. Joe will be remembered as a devoted spouse and partner, loving uncle, “Cowboy” to his friends, and “Papa Joe” to Ellie and Maddie McKevitt and Aedan and Arielle O’Connor.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 2 from 12:30 pm until the time of service at 1:30 pm at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave., Long Branch NJ. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  All who knew and loved Joe are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Joe’s memory.

Joe will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.