Joseph Santo Butera

Joseph Santo Butera, born September 19, 1929, in Hoboken, New Jersey, passed away in Barnegat, New Jersey, at the age of 96.  Joseph was the beloved husband of Carol Ann Fenwick, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage, and a devoted father to Joseph K. Butera, Lori A. Frazier, and Lisa M. Butera (Hough). 

A proud veteran, Joseph served honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, earning the National Defense Service Medal and serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut. After his military service, he pursued higher education, earning a degree in Business from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Joseph built a life rooted in faith, family, and friends. He was baptized at St. Francis Church in Hoboken and married Carol Ann Fenwick at St. Anthony’s Church in Hawthorne, New Jersey, on May 21, 1960. Together, they raised their family in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, instilling the christian values of love, compassion, integrity and service.  Music was Joseph’s lifelong joy. He marched with the Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corp. in his younger years, and he was a charter member of the Caballeros Alumni.  He later spent countless happy hours at the piano, filling the home with melodies his family will always remember.  He cherished his time with family on vacation in Wildwood, hosting backyard barbeques and attending family holiday and milestone celebrations.  As a couple, he and Carol have built and treasured many lifelong friendships through drum corp., the Italian/American Club and their parish and neighborhood communities.  

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his children, Joseph K. Butera (Kelly), Lori A. Frazier (Matthew), and Lisa M. Butera (Hough); his cherished grandchildren, Ryan (Emma), Jamie (Patricia), Erin, Brianna, Megan, and Jack; and extended family. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Dorotea and Francis Butera.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ. Mass offered Wednesday, 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Barnegat, NJ. Private Cremation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ken's Kitchen at St. Mary's Parish (link below) or a charity of your choice or simply asks that you honor Joseph’s memory by showing kindness to others. 

Joseph’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him—his steadfast love, gentle presence, and unwavering support of others will be cherished always.

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