
Born September 14‚ 1974‚ to Elizabeth and Daniel Juliano in Elizabeth‚ New Jersey‚ Joseph was the youngest of four children. He was always a happy child and was extremely close to his family. He was called the ‘All American Kid’ due to his love of sports‚ especially football. He played on the varsity football team for Elizabeth High School in New Jersey before graduating in 1992.
Joseph was a high-spirited‚ warm soul with a heart of gold that would lend a helping hand no matter where he was. He always had a beautiful smile on his face and made sure everyone around him did as well. His family meant everything to him‚ and he absolutely adored his nieces and nephew and always made sure to show it. He was very close to his family‚ and he loved them unconditionally. Joseph had many friends that he cherished‚ and everyone loved the person he was.
In 1993‚ Joseph decided to follow in his older brother’s footsteps and joined the United States Marine Corps. He served four years‚ then re-upped in 1997. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune‚ North Carolina. He was trained in Texas for HAZMAT firefighting‚ then at Yuma‚ Arizona‚ where he was an aircraft firefighting and rescue specialist. He finished his exams for firefighting and finished top in his class. Joe loved what he represented and was extremely proud to be an American.
On March 20‚ 1998‚ everyone who knew and loved Joseph now had a big piece of their heart missing. He was killed in an automobile accident during a training exercise in California. Surviving are his parents‚ Daniel and Elizabeth Juliano; two sisters‚ Sharon and Patricia; and brother‚ Daniel. A vital part of our lives was taken from us that day‚ and we still feel the heartache‚ but it is comforting to know that he is watching over us and his spirit is with us at all times.
He was an amazing person who would do anything for anyone. There is not one day that goes by that we do not think of him and give thanks for all the wonderful memories he gave us. Joe was full of life and lived each day to his fullest potential. He is truly missed‚ and we cannot wait until the day we will be with him again.
‘The guardian angels of life fly so high as to be beyond our sight‚ but they are always looking down upon us.’ -Jean Paul Richter