Joseph Karnas passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 29, 1923 to the late Stanley and Olga Karnas, he was a lifelong resident of the town of Sewaren.

Mr. Karnas was a graduate of Woodbridge High School. Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy in World War II and was honorably discharged in October 1943 as Seaman First Class .

Mr. Karnas joined the Woodbridge Fire Company No. 1 in September 1948. He began as a volunteer fireman serving in the Truck Division and remained active until his death. In March 1951 he accepted a position as a professional fulltime fireman, and retired with the rank of Captain in 1988. During his tenure, he served in various capacities including Chief of the Department in 1960, President of the Volunteer Association 1969-1970, member and past President of the Woodbridge Exempt Fireman's Association, Life Member of the New Jersey State Exempt Fireman's Association, Life Member of the New Jersey State Fireman's Association, Treasurer of Woodbridge Fireman's Relief Association 1965-2017, and a member of Local #290 IAFF.

He was also employed by Michael P. Sasso Trenching and Excavating Company, as well as Smorol Construction.

During his lifetime he received many awards for his commitment, service, and leadership. These awards were presented in 2000, 2007, and 2013 by Woodbridge Fire Department Commissioners and Woodbridge Town Council. In 2007, he was honored by Mayor McCormac for his continuous service and commitment to the Woodbridge community.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Mary "Mae" O'Donnell Karnas; daughters, Mary Jane Christian and her husband Mark, of Colonia and Maureen Fuller and her husband, James, of Endicott, NY; grandchildren Steven Christian and his wife, Brooke, James Fuller and his wife, Amanda, David Christian and his wife, Kimberly, Ryan Fuller, Alexis Christian, and Christopher Fuller; great grandchildren, Charlotte and Jackson Christian, while also happily anticipating the birth of his third great grandchild; sisters-in-law Mary Alice Karnas and Dorothy Karnas; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Karnas was predeceased by his brothers John and his wife, Mary; Michael and his wife, Elizabeth; Walter, Stanley, and sister-in-law Gladys Frelish and husband William.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. from Costello- Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green Street at Barron Avenue, Woodbridge. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, Woodbridge. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Woodbridge Fire Company No. 1 will be conducting their service at 7:00 p.m on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Woodbridge Fire Company No. 1, 418 School Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 in Mr. Karnas' memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.