Joseph M. Coggovia Jr., aged 79, peacefully left this chapter of life and entered into eternal peace on Friday, August 31, 2018.  He had been under loving care of his wife and daughter, and hospice.

Born in Bridgeton, to the late Joseph and Theresa (Perri) Coggovia Sr., he was raised on his family's farm in Jones Island, Cedarville, New Jersey.  He graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1957, and went on to continue his studies of agriculture at Rutgers University.

Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, where he became a cook.  This service would begin a career in the food industry that would shape the rest of his life.

As a young man, he briefly lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and also in Cape Cod, MA.  Back in Cumberland County, he worked in several local eateries, including The White Sparrow Inn and The New York Inn.  Eventually, after years of working hard, ambition and motivation, he would acquire the Town & Country Italian Restaurant on Delsea Drive in Vineland. For the next twenty years he would live the dream of running his own business.

In 1983 he married Jane, and decided to work less hours in order to spend more time at home.  Harrah's Resort & Casino opened in Atlantic City, and Joe was there on day one.  He quickly worked his way up the ladder, becoming a Head Sous Chef.  This endeavor would last for nineteen years.

As he aged, he found employment in yet another kitchen, much closer to home, at the Vineland Children's Residential Center.  Here he not only would do the cooking, but would get to know the children he served and make an impact on their lives. Sadly, when the center closed in 2011, he realized that his time to retire was upon him.

After retirement, he and Jane took sea cruises, guided bus trips and were always out dancing. Until recently, they still would go see live bands play on Saturday nights, and dance at the Music in the Parks events. Joe loved the time spent with family and friends while dining out. He was always joking around and smiling. He worked hard, and he played hard.  He was a giving man with a big heart.

Joe was predeceased by his sister, Marie Bosco.

He will be sorely missed by his loving wife of 35 years, Jane (Johnson) Coggovia, his stepdaughter Dorothy Becker-Garrison and her husband Richard and also one grandson Dave Garrison, all of Vineland. Also his twin brother Ralph Coggovia and his wife Ida and his sister Grace Matos and her husband Ray of Florida.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 5th at 10:00 AM from the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland with Rev. Albert Torres officiating. Burial in Siloam Cemetery will be private. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 4th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and again on Wednesday, September 5th from 9:00-10:00 AM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, his family encourages donations be made to: Bayada Hospice, 603 N. Broad Street, Suite #301, Woodbury, NJ 08096, Bishop McCarthy Residence, 1045 E. Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360, or to the organization of one's choice.

Please visit wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.