Obituary of Joseph W. Pratz

A tribute to JOSEPH W. PRATZ, my lover, my friend, my partner, and proudly my spouse.

It is difficult to find the words, as I never imagined the day would come that he would not be in my life. A warm, caring generous sole, who would always be there to stand by my side and support with whatever I did, as any loving partner would. Always giving, and grateful he was a kind person willing to sacrifice his own well-being to help others with his last dime, if need be. He loved life and everything that came with it. In his early years, he loved assisting his brothers and sisters take care of feeding and changing diapers, and to raise and guide his many many nieces and nephews, continuing with great nieces and nephews, all the way to the end. Coming from a large family who were not rich in material things, he knew the value of love and support, which has been instilled into those who called him Nan.

He had a self-taught knack with hair, and always cut and set his mom’s and sisters hair for them. He was an excellent cook, learning from his parents too. As our forty-six years together flew by, I remember vividly the day we met. Highlighted by our love for dance, he was a great dancer and before my time, loved to jitterbug with partners no longer here. Meeting during to disco era of the 70’s, our life was filled with great memories, one of which was exiting an Atlantic City disco surprised to see the sun had already come up...truly we danced till dawn. Sharing a love of Streisand, Barry White, Patsy Cline, Elton John, Celine Dion, and so many others. He also loved the finer things in life and we often enjoyed the hunt through flea markets, and antique shoppes, and generally appreciating an items history, and giving it new life, and I must add, I enjoyed trying to give him everything he ever expressed a desire to have.

While we are not Jewish, he was my princess and I enjoyed providing for him, at any cost. Joe will be truly missed, as he was loved by all who knew him. As the cards have been coming in, there is that central theme, that he was kind. He was generous, and he was always loved. I am forever grateful, as he made me a better person. Rest in peace, reunited with family, friends and the many pets.

Farewell Tribute

Family & Friends are invited to Joe's visitation on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 10 AM to 12 PM at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ  08096. Funeral Service will begin at 12 PM.  Interment will follow at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ.