Joseph V. Mercante

1936 - 2025

OBITUARY

On weekends through the year and across the warm summer mornings, 10-year-old Joseph Mercante rose early. Taking mass transit to family in Queens or Brooklyn he provided loving support. Groceries, laundry, sweeping up. When done, Joseph would return to his neighborhood – to join (and lead) the fun activities with his young friends. And so it began.

Joseph Mercante is remembered with joy and loving affection for a remarkable life of generous support and helping others. His family, his nation, his city, his friends, his colleagues, his neighborhoods. All benefited from his insight, vision, selfless assistance, and his natural, unassuming leadership – always encouraging others to excel.

Returning from the U.S. Army he joined the New York City Police Department, rising through the years to the rank of Lieutenant. Joe would often reminisce with family how as a young NYPD officer, he would find his way in the dark during night shifts on patrol in Central Park. “I would turn and look to find the Essex House. Central Park South. That would show me the way.”

Joe helped show the way to many others on the force, especially as a Sergeant leading the 113th Precinct Anti-Crime unit – and those retired – through his work with the NYPD Retired Lieutenants Association, where he served as President and in multiple other roles for that organization. But that assistance paled in comparison to the robust, unending support to his family, friends and community.

As a personality, he was distinguished for helping neighbors with home projects – or family members with life and financial plans. The father and “coach” in him had wisdom, vision and patience in raising five children with a knowing smile – guiding us through decades of both challenges and successes. And his wit! His golf game! His lasagna!

Joseph lived many years in East Meadow with his family with a backyard filled with swings, sporting equipment and a handmade treehouse underneath a mighty oak tree for his children and seemingly the entire neighborhood to enjoy.

In 1989 he moved to Tampa, Florida where he lived for 10 years with his wife and stepdaughter. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and visiting all the theme parks with his family and friends. He was also "the man in charge" for his development, continuing his desire to contribute.

1999 brought a move to Raleigh, NC so they could be within a one-day drive to New York and family, and Joe could card a hole-in-one with a perfect 4-iron on the 180-yard 8th hole at Hedingham Golf Club.

In 2003 they returned to New Hyde Park to be closer to family, host many holiday events and be able to volunteer his time and skills in support of the NYPD community.

Joseph was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 26, 1936. Beloved husband of Debra (nee Kiernan) and the late Nancy. Beloved father of Maria, Joseph (Ellen), James (Kerri) and Theresa, and stepfather to Jacklyn. Cherished grandfather of Gennaro (fiancé Rose), Maude (fiancé Tea), Christina, and Gabriel. Loving brother of Tony (Julia and the late Gail), Mike (late Jan), late Jerry (late Jenny), late Mary (late John). Beloved brother-in-law to Thomas and Julie and beloved uncle and grand-uncle to many. Joseph was also predeceased by his parents Giuseppe and Erminia, his mother-in-law, Mary Louise O’Shea, father-in-law John Kiernan and mother-in-law, Marguerite Kiernan.

Joseph Mercante’s bequest to us all is the everlasting gift of remembering a thoughtful, compassionate man who enjoyed life and could not rest until his loved ones were fulfilled and secure. He evokes within us a drive to embody his attributes, to achieve his quiet acclaim, and to carry on his magnanimous mission.

…and if we do so, like Joseph did, while listening to Frank Sinatra or Luciano Pavarotti and attempting to construct his treasured lasagna, all the better.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8th from 4pm to 8pm at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home, 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 9th at 10am at St. Raphael’s Church 600 Newbridge Rd., East Meadow, NY.

Private Cremation

In lieu of flowers, his family would greatly appreciate any donations made to the following organizations:

Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/donate/

Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation https://www.helpfightra.org/donations/

Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

American Lung Association https://action.lung.org/site/Donation

VISITATION

Thursday, May 8

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

New Hyde Park Funeral Home 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY

FUNERAL MASS

Friday, May 9 10:00 AM St. Raphael's R.C. Church 600 Newbridge Road, East Meadow, NY

PRIVATE CREMATION