Joseph A. De Santis 94 of Clifton passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14th. Born in Passaic, he was a lifelong Clifton resident. Joe was a US Marine Corps Veteran where he served in the Korean War and later in the Reserves. During his military career he achieved the rank of Staff Sargent. His medals and honors included a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with two Stars, Presidential Unit Citation with two Stars, UN Service Medal, Good Conduct, and National Defense Service Medal. 

He successfully ran his own business as the owner of Sussex Humus & Supply Company and worked as a Sales Manager for Acadian Peat Moss in New Brunswick, Canada. Among Joe's many accomplishments and interests were being a fishing guide in Canada, and hunting. Always very at home in the outdoors, he took his family on many camping trips where he passed down his extensive knowledge. He took some memorable trips out west, to Alaska, and overseas. For many years he enjoyed roller skating and later in life took up skiing. Joe was a creative craftsman who could fix almost anything with whatever there was to work with. He lived life on his own terms and had a soft spot for his Golden Retrievers.

He is survived by four children: Laurel Wolf and husband, William, Glenn De Santis and wife, Deborah, Craig De Santis and wife, Linda Erli-De Santis, and Lee De Santis and wife, Abby Cohen, by their mother, Lillian Cooper, as well as five grandchildren: Dana, Amanda, Brittany, Heather, and Joseph, and five great grandchildren: Fiona, Averie, Mallory, Noa, and Westley, niece Maria De Santis and her family, and by his girlfriend, Edythe Black. Joe was predeceased by a sister, Ramona De Santis.

Private graveside funeral services will be held at East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, friends, family, and those who knew Joe are encouraged to spend some time outdoors appreciating the natural world that he so loved.