Joseph Lee Maney Jr.

Joseph Lee Maney, Jr., affectionately known to most as “Papa” was one of three children and the only son of the late Joseph Lee Maney, Sr. and Ever Dean (Pierce) Maney.  He was born August 22, 1961 in Orange, NJ.

He attended the Kenilworth School System and graduated from David Brearley Regional High School in 1979.  He was a star athlete and well known for his talent and passion on the football field.  In his own words, “I was a BAD man!”  He went on to attend William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.

While in college, he worked security for the NY Yankees and NY Giants.  He later worked for the Star Ledger printing press in Piscataway, NJ for many years.  He went on to pick up the trade of plumbing and HVAC, and continued work in that field until recent months.

Papa was known for his enormous personality!  When he walked into a room, he made sure you knew he was there.  You couldn’t out-talk him and you certainly couldn’t top his decibels.  He would often greet you with a big bear hug that took the breath out of you.  His ultimate goal was to put a smile on everyone’s face.  At times, he may have come off aggressive, but it’s because he did everything with all his might.  

He enjoyed all sports, but he LOVED his football!  He repped the Oakland Raiders Nation all day, every day and also had a soft spot for the home team NY Giants.  He was obsessed with fitness and you could spot him in town riding his bike or running up at the track.  He took pride in being a member of Bally’s since the 80’s and anyone who encountered him there would say “that guy is a BEAST!”  On any given day, you were likely to run into him at ACME or Walmart - you would've thought he was an employee.  When he wanted to relax, he’d kick back and watch his main man Steve Harvey on Family Feud.  He couldn’t pass up seafood and whenever he visited family in Virginia, he didn’t have any conversation for you until he got his fried crabs!  Above all else, he loved his family more than anything.  He always said “Family First” and that he was a trillionaire - not rich in dollars, but in love from his family. His presence was immense and truly will be missed.

Papa was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Sr.  He leaves behind to celebrate his life his mother: Ever Dean; his children: daughter, Yvana Ellison, son, Joseph Lee Maney, III, stepson, Eric Ellison and stepdaughter, Qiana Walker (Lamonte) and their mother, Sonya Ellison; his siblings: Vivian Rowlett (Carlos), Yvette Turner (Abraham Sr.); niece: Tiara Turner; nephews: Abraham Turner, Jr. and Dawud Ward; his beloved cousins: Stephen Maney and Dolores Pollard, and a host of cousins, extended relatives and friends.

Lovingly Submitted by the Family.

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