Joseph Angelo Failla

Mr. Joseph Angelo Failla, 29, was embraced by the arms of God as he was surrounded by the love of his family on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the UMDNJ – University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation which will be held in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Thursday, November 19^th. from 4:00-8:00PM.  On Friday, November 20^th.  at 9:45AM, everyone will meet directly at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church, Linden, where a funeral mass will be offered at 10:00AM.  The prayers of committal will precede Joey’s burial in the family plot in Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey.  Flowers will be accepted by the family or donations in Joey’s memory may be made to either the Anxiety and Depression Association of America http://www.ADAA.org or to his Go Fund Me account http://gf.me/u/y8jbqr

Joey, the son of Francesca Galleta Failla and the late Filippo Failla (October 20, 1997) was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and he had lived in Linden, New Jersey his entire life. 

Growing up, Joey was nourished by the process of formal education and how it improved him, both in knowledge, but also as a person.  While Joey attended Linden High School, he was a four-year member of the ROTC program and eventually rose along the ranks to become a lieutenant commander in his senior year.  Following his graduation in 2009 from Linden High School, Joey went on to study Political Science at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2013.  Joey then continued his path, as he enrolled in Kean University in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he obtained his master’s degree in Administration in 2016.  Joey was privileged to be admitted into the National Honor Society while he was attending both Linden High School and Kean University. 

In the workforce, Joey started as an intern for Future City Inc., a nonprofit organization in Elizabeth, New Jersey.   He oversaw their social media and Joey eventually became a Board member.  Throughout the years from high school to the present, you could also find Joey working as a server at Chevy’s Fresh Mex Restaurant in Linden, where he developed quite a following. 

Joey’s other passions in life were the simple, everyday things.  He was an avid soccer fan; he enjoyed playing the sport and being a spectator, as well.  Joey’s favorite professional team was AS Roma and his all-time favorite player was Francesco Totti, who wears the number 10 jersey.  Joey thoroughly relished owning and working on his dream car; a 1994 Nissan 300z, Twin Turbo.  However, even with all of this, everybody will tell you that the highlight of Joey’s life was to hang out with his friends, being a good influence and spending time with his nieces and nephew, and celebrating life while making memories with all of his family.  Everyone was always happy to be around Joey and that is what made him so loved by all.  Joey, with his genuine and generous attitude, definitely had a heart of gold.  There was no one better.  While the family mourns this tragically painful and somewhat surreal loss of Joey, please know that in his death, he still was able to give the gift of light and life by donating his organs. 

In addition to his mother, Francesca Galleta Failla, Joey is survived by his three sisters, Maria Ferretti and her husband, Brian, Valentina Failla and her husband, Theodore Rigas and Simona Page and her husband, Matthew; his two nieces and one nephew, Victoria Ferretti, Isabella Ferretti and Filippo Ferretti, his BFF’s, Steven Barandica, Jovanni Santana, Sergio Zeno and Francesca Catananzi; his aunts, uncles and cousins in Italy; his little Chihuahua, Stella and his many friends, co-workers and neighbors. 

As per the regulations imposed through the State of New Jersey, face protection is required as per state regulations.  We thank you for your understanding during this time of transition.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.