Obituary of Joseph P. Diegnan
South Plainfield, NJ – Joseph Diegnan, 82, passed away peacefully at JFK Medical Center in Edison on April 26, 2024 surrounded by loving family. Born one of seven children to the late Patrick J. Sr. and Sarah (Byrne) Diegnan, Joe is predeceased by his sister Maureen Rydarowski.
Joe received his B.A. and M.A. in education from Newark State Teachers College. He worked as a history teacher, guidance counselor and vice principal in the Middlesex School District for over forty years. Joe strived to improve the lives of countless students who had the good fortune of learning from him. He dedicated his life to helping others, particularly in his hometown of South Plainfield, where he served on the Clean Communities Board and several other organizations where he volunteered countless hours.
Joe was a sports enthusiast, having a love for golfing and was an avid NY Yankees fan. During his retirement, he worked in Real Estate for Century 21, Moretti Realty.
He leaves behind his brothers and sister; Donald (Geri,) Richard (Susan,) Norman (Anita,) Evelyn Gorman (John,) and Senator Patrick, Jr. (Anita.) Joe will be missed by eleven nieces and nephews as well as thirty grand-nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends.
Family and friends may join together at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 3pm-7pm for visitation.
Funeral services will begin at 9:15am in the funeral home on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 followed by a 10:00am funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church. Entombment at Holy Redeemer Cemetery will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family has requested donations in his name sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org.)