Obituary of Joseph John Westenberger

Joseph J Westenberger passed away peacefully on Monday, March 8, 2021. He was 90 years old.

Joe (Westy) was born and raised in Boonton, New Jersey. After graduating from Boonton High School, he served in the U.S. Navy (Seabees), until honorably discharged. A devoted family man, Joe and his loving wife Jessie, married in 1954 and raised their family in Boonton Township.

Joe and his brother Thomas, both Master Plumbers, owned and operated Westenberger Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc. and Deerfield Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc., for over five decades. Joe was an exempt member and former Chief of the Boonton Township Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, sons, nephews and friends. He was an avid golfer, gardener and animal lover. Joe and Jessie volunteered together, with Sister Mary Urban, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville for many years. They also enjoyed many amazing summers with their family at their beach home in Ship Bottom, NJ. Joe leaves behind a legacy of kindness and will be remembered for his gentle spirit, devotion to friends and family, boundless energy and his very distinctive whistle.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

After 60 wonderful years of marriage, Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife Jessie in 2014. Joe is survived by his children, Richard of Rockaway Township, Michael and his wife, Martha of Boonton Township, Joseph of Boonton and Lisa Onorati and her husband, Paul of Denville. He was a devoted grandfather who adored his twelve grandchildren, John and his wife Jennifer, Kevin, Bobby, Christopher, Michael, Scott and his wife Michele, Kyle and his wife Brooke, Adam, Jessica, Kristen, Paul and Joey and his great-grandson, Jude. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Westenberger and sister, Rita Theriault, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother George Westenberger and sisters Marion Knott and Frieda Whiteside.

Friends and family may visit on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Dangler Lewis and Carey Funeral Home, 312 West Main Street, Boonton, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10:a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 910 Birch Street, Boonton, NJ. Interment will be private.

In lieu of Flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in Joe’s honor to the Boonton Township Fire Department, 2 Old Denville Road, Boonton Township, NJ 07005.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, all persons entering the Funeral Home or Church will be required to wear a face mask or face covering throughout their stay. Likewise, all social distancing rules must be adhered to. Gathering in groups should not happen. A continued flow throughout the facility will aid in keeping us all safe, with everyone having an opportunity to pay their respects.