Joseph Morreale

Our dear father & grandfather passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023. Joe was born in Bagheria, Italy on July 25, 1941. He was the oldest of four children born to Giovanni & Giovanna Morreale. At age 13, the whole family moved to Venezuela to find work after World War II left Sicilians with little opportunities. There, he learned the art of shoemaking. He often shared his fond memories of sleeping in hammocks at night with his brothers. He emigrated to New York City by himself at the tender age of 18 in search of the American Dream. He worked as a shoemaker at his cousin’s shoe repair shops in and around New York and New Jersey. Soon after, his family followed him to America. He met the love of his life, Anna, in citizenship classes at Sewanhaka High School in Elmont, New York. He and Anna were married in 1962. After first son, John, was born, they moved to Hauppauge, New York, where they bought their home at 172 South Plaisted Avenue. Here, their home was always filled with love and the wonderful aromas of Anna’s cooking. Despite the fact that their English was not the best, they built lasting friendships in their neighborhood, church, and community. Three more boys soon followed, Joe, Pete, and Frank. In the mid 70’s, Joe opened Morreale Shoe Repair in Smithtown. He was a fixture in the Smithtown community for many years. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, and the Democratic Party. Over the years, the family of six grew into a family of 24! He loved his daughter-in-law’s as if they were his own, and his 14 grandchildren were the light of his life. To know Joe was to love him. He was the sweetest, kindest man you could meet. He loved his soccer games, and a spirited political discussion. Joe was a man that everyone looked to for help, advice, and encouragement. He was a patriot and a true believer in the American Dream. He touched many lives and left a lasting impression. They certainly broke the mold after they made Joe Morreale.