Obituary of Joseph Robert Loria

Joseph R. Loria, 72, of East Hanover, New Jersey, passed away on February 28, 2026. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Joe made East Hanover his home for the past 22 years. He graduated from Chatham High School and went on to attend Roger Williams University.  Joe devoted more than two decades to sharing his faith and his extraordinary baritone voice as the Cantor at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, New Jersey. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Joe’s love of performing extended beyond the sanctuary; he found joy wherever music brought people together.  Some of Joe’s happiest memories were onstage in operas and community theatre, and in the audience beside his wife, Linda, at Broadway shows.

Joe also loved to cook, bringing family together around the table with homemade meals. He approached every dish with a passionate perfectionist’s care—tasting, tweaking, and cooking until it was just right.  Above all, Joe especially enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pa Joe”.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his four stepchildren, Gina Capizzani (Brian) Miles of Memphis, TN, Dr. Tony (Erika) Capizzani of Solon, OH, Michael (Rebekah) Capizzani of King, NC, and David (Kyra) Capizzani of Denver, CO; and eight cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Paul (Kathleen) Loria of New Providence, NJ and Phil Loria of Union, NJ, and many loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Ethel Loria; his father, Angelo Loria; and his sisters Willeen Halbrook and Jeannette Pierce.

Joe’s kindness, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and long remembered by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home in Madison, New Jersey. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the music ministry at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westfield.