Joseph Anthony Stenukinis

In Loving Memory of Joseph Anthony Stenukinis

March 1, 1947 - October 8, 2026

Joseph Anthony Stenukinis, beloved father, grandfather, devoted husband, and respected public servant, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 79. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, integrity, and compassion that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Joe was, above all else, a family man. His greatest pride and deepest love were his family, and he had a way of making the people around him feel cared for, welcomed, and at home. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, never hesitating to lend a helping hand to someone in need. For Joe, service was more than something you did; it was how you showed love.

He was the proud father of three children, Adam Stenukinis, Michele Stenukinis, and Jennifer Jablonski, and the loving grandfather of Adam Mayo and Stevielin Jablonski. His family was the center of his world, and his love for them was steadfast and unwavering.

Joe shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Linda Stenukinis, who preceded him in death in November 2019. Together, they built a life grounded in family, tradition, and love. The holidays were especially meaningful in their home, where Joe and Linda lovingly prepared meals for their family and brought everyone together around the table.

Joe's love of cooking was legendary. Anyone fortunate enough to sit at his kitchen table knew that one helping was never enough. Second, third, and even fourth helpings were practically a tradition. His kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, abundance, and belonging-a place where love was served with every plate. The memories made around that table will remain a treasured part of his family's story for generations to come.

Joe also had a tremendous love for animals, especially his beloved Chihuahuas, who held a very special place in his heart. His gentle affection for them reflected the same tenderness and loyalty he showed to those he loved.

A man of honor and principle, Joe dedicated 27 years of service to the Edison Police Department, rising to the rank of lieutenant before retiring. Respected by his peers for his judgment, character, and unwavering sense of duty, he served as head of the department's Internal Affairs division. He approached his responsibilities with the same values that guided every part of his life: loyalty, respect, integrity, and compassion. His career was a testament to his commitment to public service and his belief in doing what was right.

Beyond his career, Joe was a proud patriot who believed deeply in the promise of America and the freedoms that define our country. He was a staunch defender of First Amendment rights and a fierce truth-teller who was never afraid to stand by his convictions. He believed in seeing the good in his country and in the importance of protecting the principles that make it worth believing in. He lived with conviction, spoke honestly, and remained true to himself.

In his younger years, Joe treasured time spent at the beach with his family and fishing in the deep sea. Those moments reflected the things he held closest: family, the outdoors, and the simple pleasures of life spent with the people he loved.

Joe was a fine man in every sense of the word. He believed in loyalty, stood firmly for what he thought was right, and gave generously without expecting anything in return. He expressed his love through his actions-by serving others, feeding those around him, protecting those in his care, and showing up when he was needed. His life was defined not by what he received, but by what he gave to others.

Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the lessons he taught and the values he lived by will continue through his children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched. His love will remain in the family traditions he helped create, the stories that will be told for generations, and the memories of a man who made sure no one left his home hungry or without knowing they mattered.

His life was defined by service. His heart was devoted to family. His character was his legacy.

A Final Goodbye to My Dad

Dad, there are no words big enough to express what you mean to me or how much it hurts to say goodbye. You were more than my father. You were a part of who I am, a part of where I came from, and a part of my heart that will never be replaced. I hope you knew just how deeply you were loved and how proud I am to be your daughter.

You spent your life showing love through the things you did, not just the things you said. You served, you protected, you gave, and you stood by what you believed was right. You taught us, by the way you lived, that a person's character matters, that family is everything, and that doing the right thing is worth standing up for, even when it isn't easy. Those are gifts no one can ever take away from us.

I will miss you in a thousand little ways-in the memories of family holidays, in the warmth of your kitchen, in the laughter around the table, and in all the moments I wish I could have just one more time. I would give anything to sit with you again, hear your voice, share a meal, and tell you how much I love you.

I find comfort in imagining you reunited with Mom after all these years, together again as you should be. I hope you know that the love you built together continues through all of us.

Dad, thank you for being my father. Thank you for the life you lived, the love you gave, the sacrifices you made, and the example you left behind. I will carry you with me for the rest of my life-in my heart, in my memories, and in the values you taught us. A part of me will always be your little girl, no matter how old I get.

You spent your life taking care of everyone else. I hope you knew how very much you mattered to all of us. You were one of a kind, Dad, and there will never be another man quite like you. Until we meet again, may you rest peacefully, knowing that you were loved beyond measure, that your life made a difference, and that your daughter will never stop loving you.