Joseph J. Mitala

Joseph J. Mitala, age 74 years, of Raritan Township, NJ passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022, in the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Trenton, NJ on June 21, 1947, he was the son of the late Joseph M. and Mary (Mladenetz) Mitala, and then lived in Michigan and Ohio before moving to Raritan Township, NJ where he lived the last 30+ years of his life.

Joseph graduated from Trenton Central High School (1965), Trenton Junior College with an Associates in Biological Sciences (1967), and Temple University with a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy (1970), a Master’s in Pharmacology/Toxicology (1973), and a Doctorate in Pharmacology/Toxicology (1977). Over the years, he worked at Ferris State College, Adria Laboratories, Exxon Biomedical Sciences, and retired in 2008 after 19 years at R.W. Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Raritan, NJ.

Joseph was a former member of the Teratology Society, Neurobehavioral Teratology Society, Middle Atlantic Reproduction and Teratology Society Association, American College of Toxicology, Sigma Xi International Research Society, Society for the Study of Reproduction, and Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology.

He was a parishioner, 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, choir member, and cantor of St. Magdalen’s Church in Flemington, NJ. Singing was one of his greatest passions, as well as playing the accordion for his family.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Coral Skye Smits, who passed in 2020.

Surviving is his wife of 51 years, Marlene J. (Sabuto) Mitala, of Flemington, NJ; three children, Joseph J. Mitala, Jr. of Edgewood, MD; Kymberlee Smits and her husband Peter of Lake Placid, FL; Christina Orlando and her husband Keith of Flemington, NJ; five grandchildren, Joseph, Herbert, and Euphemia Mitala; Maddox and Jaxon Orlando; a sister, Monica Weir of Delran, NJ, as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday at 10:30 AM in the St. Magdalen Church, Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. Burial will follow in St. Magdalen Cemetery, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.