Obituary of Joseph W. Racke

Joseph W. Racke passed peacefully at home on March 3, 2021.  He shared 62 years of love and loud music with his nearest and dearest.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 8th at 11 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5635 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, NJ.  Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  Donations in his memory may be made to the good work of MSK Cancer Center by way of www.inmemof.org.  

Please share your memories here.  His family will cherish them. 

Joe was born on October 21, 1958 to Francis and Patricia Racke.  He grew up in Jefferson and later lived in Columbia for some time. He graduated High School in 1977 and went on to obtain his license as a stationary engineer.  Soon after he started his longtime career with St. Clares’ hospital.  He spent over 30 years with them before heading to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.  Joe worked hard and enjoyed the relationships he made along the way.  As luck would have it, he was blessed to meet Mary Ann Piro some years ago and they started a life together.  They tied the knot with a zoom ceremony on March 21, 2020.  Joe was over the moon.  

When he was home, he enjoyed tending to his plants and dancing in the kitchen with his wife. These were such happy times.  Joe loved music, all genres and always had the stereo on loud enough for the neighbors to hear it.  He enjoyed trout fishing and had dreams of a woodworking shop.  Although we are broken hearted by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace and dancing over us from heaven.  

He leaves his wife Mary Ann Piro, his Mother Patricia Racke; many aunts, uncles and cousins; his step sons James (July) and Michael Piro; and many dear friends.  His father Francis Racke passed previously.