Joseph P. Vassallie

Joseph P. Vassallie, known affectionately to friends and family as Joe and “Moe Man”, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on July 13, 1934, in Long Branch, NJ to Italian and Irish immigrants, Joe was a man who lived a full life marked by his unwavering devotion to his family, his country, and his passions.

Joe grew up in the close-knit community of West End. He began his love of tinkering while spending time with his mentor, the owner of Tommy Reed's Bike Store/Candy Store on Sairs Avenue. Joe graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1952. In 1957, Joe enlisted in the Army for two years, a period of his life that instilled in him a sense of discipline and camaraderie that he would later bring to his civilian career.

On April 25, 1959, Joe married Dorinne Bourbonniere, his high school sweetheart. Dorinne passed away on July 16, 2001. Joe was a steadfast and compassionate caregiver in her final years.

Upon returning from his military service, Joe embarked on a longstanding career as a parts supervisor at Monmouth Imported Auto Parts in Eatontown, NJ. His keen eye for detail and friendly nature made him a respected figure both in the workplace and within his community. In his spare time, Joe repaired alternators and generators. Joe's colleagues knew him as a reliable and supportive individual, often repairing machinery at Laurino's Farm in Shrewsbury, NJ. He later assisted his father and brother with the family's limousine service and drove a taxi with his youngest brother, Raymond.

Joe was an avid NASCAR fan, liked to attend tractor pulls, and enjoyed repairing Peugeot cars. His admiration for automotive performance was more than a hobby; it reflected his appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Joe's Catholic faith was a guiding force in his daily life and provided comfort and strength during his final months. His faith was evident in the way he lived — always striving to be a loving and kind presence in the lives of those around him. He was a loving father, kind and soft-spoken, very generous, and always shared his car experiences and expertise when asked.

Joe's legacy is carried on by his son Joseph James "JJ" Vassallie and his partner Judy Warren, his daughter Dorinne Cattelona and her husband Joseph, his granddaughters Victoria and Margaux Cattelona, his sister Mary “Sissy” Labanowski, his nephew Keith Labanowski (Michelle), his niece Nicole Sivilli and her husband Joe, his great-nephews Joey and Ryan, and his nephew Raymond "RJ" Vassallie. Joe was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Alice (née Duffy), his brothers James (Regina) and Raymond (Kathy), and his brother-in-law Leonard Labanowski.

To those who knew him, Joe was the embodiment of a gentle soul with a knack for being handy. His absence will be profoundly felt by his family and friends, who take comfort in knowing that his life was a testament to the qualities he so valued.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 2-6 pm at Damiano Funeral in Long Branch. Funeral Saturday, 9:30 am at the funeral home with the service to begin at 10 am. Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. Home, In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692 Web: http://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give  The family invites you to leave a note of condolence by selecting the tribute/guestbook link.

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