South Brunswick Biz Owner, Community Volunteer Joe Pietrefesa Dies At 86

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Lifelong South Brunswick resident Joseph Charles Pietrefesa Jr., died at home on April 25, his family said. He was 86.

Pietrefesa was a well-known community member. He owned a local business, worked for the township and coached many youth sports teams.

Born on Dec. 22, 1936, to Joseph Sr. and Edna, Pietrefesa was raised in South Brunswick at his ancestral home built by his grandfather in 1902.

He met his wife Erika while working at Gary Manufacturing in 1958 and married in 1961. Their four children, Gina, Joseph III, Erika and Brigitte, live and work in South Brunswick.

Pietrefesa was an integral part of the community in the 60s when he started working for the Township’s Tree Commission. In 1967 he started Triple J Landscaping & Lawn Service. Over 55 years, the company expanded to Greater Middlesex County.

“He donated and sponsored every youth sports team as well as police, fire and EMS,” his family told Patch in a statement.

Pietrefesa retired from his company in the early 2000s but continued to work. “He taught exemplary work ethic to his son and grandsons and is an inspiration to many,” his family said. “He was extraordinarily strong with a mental toughness yet had a gentle heart.”

He was a member of the Deans Hunting Club and the Eagles Club. Pietrefesa coached his son in baseball, as well as coached alongside his son and grandsons in baseball, basketball and football teams.

“He was a pillar of strength, encouragement, and good old fashion hard work. He wanted nothing more than for everyone to enjoy life as he did. He always told amazing tales of mischief and the thrilling fun he had back in the day, a lust he carried his entire life. This is the last of the most hardworking, true gentleman, generation,” his family said.

Pietrefesa is survived by Erika, his wife of 63 years, his four children, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, 616 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org