Obituary of Joseph L. Seeman

It is with great sadness we announce that Joseph L. Seemann passed away unexpectedly on Saturday April, 15th at the age of 78. He leaves behind a family and community who mourn him deeply.

Joe was born in Newark, NJ to Freda Barrek and Joseph Seemann in 1945. He graduated from Essex Catholic High School in Newark in 1962. He enlisted in the US Army serving honorably in the Vietnam War as a Radio Mechanic from 1966-1968. He was awarded a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal. He served as a Commander at his local American Legion Post #390. He worked for Bell Atlantic as a Transmission Testman for many years and retired in 1999.

Joe met the love of his life, Dianne Reed Seemann, down the shore in 1964 and were married two years later. Joe and his wife touched countless lives throughout the Denville community volunteering their time as Mr. & Mrs. Claus, visiting schools, hospitals, and orphanages. They also volunteered for many years at their local VFW Post #390 preparing community breakfasts and holiday dinners as well as cooking and serving sausage and pepper sandwiches annually at the St. Clare’s Harvest Festival. Joe & Dianne remained married for 55 years, until her passing in 2021.

Joe loved people, good food, and travel - especially trips to Ireland with Dianne. He took pride in his knowledge and study of world history and world religions, held enormous appreciation for diversity, and always respected opposing views. He was happy to find a new church community at The New Hope Community Church of the Nazarine in Denville in recent years. He took seriously his civic duties, volunteering his time at the polls every election day, and always kept himself well-informed about world and national issues.

Joe’s timing is not lost on those who are close with him. His passing followed a meaningful and love filled trip with his family just the week prior, where he was finally able to bring closure to Dianne’s passing by spreading her ashes off the coast of Maine.

Joe leaves behind his sisters-in-law Cynthia Cullen of Rockaway Township, NJ and Karyn Suozzo of Bedford, NH; Brothers-in-law Brian Reed of Kernersville, NC and Joseph Suozzo Bedford, NH; Niece MaryRose Cullen; And nephews Nicholas Cullen, Sean Cullen, Joseph Suozzo and Randy Suozzo and the late Ralph Suozzo.

Although Joe will be deeply missed, Joe and Dianne were inseparable in life and we take comfort knowing that they are together again.

Friends and Family may visit from 1-3 PM on Sunday April 23rd at The American Legion Post 390, 9 Legion Pl, Denville, NJ 07834 with a Service and military honors starting at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Joseph’s name to the Turtle Back Zoo https://store.zoologicalsocietyofnj.org/singlepage/donation.cshtml?productid=712
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our Tree Store.