Joseph L. Raff

Joseph L. ‘PPJO’ Raff was born in Passaic, NJ, on Friday, September 1st, 1939, the day Germany invaded Poland. He died on Good Friday, March 29th, 2024, same as Jesus. Coincidence? Probably. But like both seminal happenings in history, Joe is impossible to forget. He loved his wife Elaine, his kids Jill, Paul & Glenn, and his daughter-in-laws Haleigh and Crystal. His grandkids Jay, Luke, Samantha, Parker, Lainey & Hudson. He would’ve adored his great-grandson, Blake. His dogs Cleo & Phoebe. His business dealings with the NFL, IBM, IMF, Dow & Steelcase, his wonderful partner Charlie. His cousin Lois. His brilliant Pier Village chums Francee & Gardner and all of the Avenue Friday Fanatics. His Asbury Corkers & Forkers, his author associate Robert, Antney, and dad's best shore buddy, Buddie. Joe was admired by so many.

He was deeply passionate about his Knicks, Mets & Jets, the lot conspiring to end his life much sooner.

Perhaps Joe's most enduring quality and legacy was his ability to make even the most stuffy stranger laugh until they ached. He made everyone feel in on the joke. You were in his good graces if he called you a turkey. His kindness and generosity were just as laudable.

He lived for delectable treats like massaman curry and poke, an icy glass of sangria, and could inhale a box of Bromilow's buttercrunch in a single bound. He wasn't without his flustering flaws, but who among us is. There are no perfect people, just perfect moments.

He was a best friend, confidant, masterful wordsmith, and could whip anyone at H-O-R-S-E and trivia. He was my EF.

He will be deeply missed - but his 84 years on earth will be cherished for eternity.

In lieu of flowers, eat a sausage, peppers & onions pizza at Vic’s, in his beloved Bradley Beach.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ.