Obituary of Joseph F. Brienze

Our beloved Joseph Francis Brienze, 96, of  New Hyde Park, New York passed away on March 7, 2024. He left this earthly plane at home in the loving care of his wife, Gloria Brienze. He worked very hard to create a loving home for his family and we are profoundly saddened to have a world without Joe Brienze. 

Joe was born on May 17, 1927 to Sarah and Frank Brienze in Queens, New York. He was one of four children: Anna, Bella, and his “kid” brother, Edward. His sisters told stories of how he was an amazing singer when he was young and how he would sing solo at school performances. He helped his father, Frank, with his plumbing business and continued to do-it-yourself a lot of building and plumbing at home. After high-school, he served in the United States Army and soon after joined the New York City Fire Department. He was very civic minded and loved being a New Yorker and working for the City as a Firefighter where he eventually became a Captain in Woodside, Queens.

He married, Caterina (Kitty) DeLuca in 1955 and had two girls: Katherine Brienze, born in 1957 and Carol Tomanelli, born in 1959. He was a fun dad and we enjoyed celebrating milestones, ice-skating in the winter, and having fun at the beach in the summer. Caterina passed away in 1981 after a long illness, and she lives on in her daughter’s hearts. 

In 1986, he met and married his sweetheart, Gloria and, after he retired, it was time for adventures and travel. He traveled all over the world with Gloria and was up for many adventures of travel through Europe, in China, in planes, boats, and automobiles.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Brienze, his daughters, Katherine Brienze, and Carol Tomanelli. His grandsons, Joseph and Nickolas Tomanelli and great-grandson and granddaughter, his stepson, Richard Roberts, the late Andrea Amitrano and grandchildren, Richard, Casey, Christine, Jacqueline, and Matthew. Joe was able to see his beautiful newborn great grand-baby, Emma, recently and it was a joy to see him light up in the presence of this beautiful baby.

Joseph was a loving father and human being. He embodied the best qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks you to contribute by sharing memories of our beloved on the memorial website.