Retired Berkeley Heights Firefighter Dies at 51

Berkeley Heights, NJ -- An awarded retired Berkeley Heights Fire Department Lieutenant died on May 1.

Lieutenant Joseph Imbimbo, 51, of Berkeley Heights was a third generation volunteer firefighter with the Berkeley Heights Fire Department where he served for 32 years.

During his service as a Firefighter Joseph was awarded the Union County 200 Club Medal of Valor, the Sons of the American Revolution Heroism Award and the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation Bravery Award for his role in saving a victim from a building fire following an explosion, according to his obituary.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial, 646 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. in the Church of the Little Flower, Plainfield Ave, Berkeley Heights.

• Joseph Imbimbo's obituary:

Joseph Imbimbo, 51, of Berkeley Heights, N.J. passed away on Sunday, May 01, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Summit, N.J. Joseph was a lifelong resident of Berkeley Heights. He was employed as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic and Demonstrator at Foley Inc., Piscataway and was a 3rd generation volunteer Firefighter with the Berkeley Heights Fire Department where he served for 32 years. During his service as a Firefighter Joseph was awarded the Union County 200 Club Medal of Valor, the Sons of the American Revolution Heroism Award and the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation Bravery Award for his role in saving a victim from a building fire following an explosion.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years Kathy Imbimbo (nee Puzzella); his parents Paul and Carolyn Imbimbo, and mother-in-law Gloria Puzzella. He was the dear brother of Maria Schaumberg (Jim) and Paul Imbimbo Jr., (Mary) and brother-in- law of: Nick (Carol), Joey and Gary Puzzella. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Margaret Puzzella and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Joseph was predeceased by his father-in-law Nicholas Puzzella and his brother-in-law Bill Puzzella.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday, May 4th from 4-8 PM at Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial, 646 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 5th at 10:30 AM in the Church of the Little Flower, Plainfield Ave, Berkeley Heights. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Mausoleum.

Visit www.ippolitofuneralhomes.com for additional information and to send condolences.