Obituary of Joseph Woodrow Glassen

Joseph Woodrow Glassen, 85, passed away on February 7, 2017. Joe was born on July 12, 1931 in East Orange, NJ. He was a long-time resident of Union, NJ, before retiring to Neptune City in 1994. After graduating from Union High School, Joe devoted his career to serving others. He enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War and served his country from 1951-1955 aboard the U.S.S. Charles R. Ware. After the war, Joe went on to become a career firefighter, and was a 25-year veteran of the Union Fire Department, a member of FMBA Local 46. Joe was also a member of the Union Elks Lodge 1583 in Union. Joe was an avid sports fan. Whether he was watching his beloved Giants or Yankees, on the links shooting three hole-in-ones, bowling a 300 game, skiing, pitching in slow pitch softball leagues, officiating high school baseball or basketball, or in the stands watching his grandchildren and great grandson compete, Joe was always excited to be a part of the action. Joe was predeceased by his parents Henry Glassen and Amy (Betty) Glassen, his wife of 45 years Doris Glassen, and his brother George Glassen. He is survived by his four daughters: Deborah (Al) Tavares of Randolph, NJ, Kathi Glassen of Toms River, NJ, Diane Glassen of Whiting, NJ, and Nancy (David) Thompson of Toms River, NJ, his brother Jack Glassen of Neptune City, NJ, five grandchildren Jamie(Michael) Ferraro, Scott (Nicole) Tavares, Kevin Tavares, Kristin Tavares, and Alexis Thompson, four great grandchildren Diazia, Keaon, Kyleigh and Max, and several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 1pm at the First Presbyterian Congregation of Connecticut Farms, Stuyvesant Avenue & Chestnut Street, in Union, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the charity of your choice.