Joseph John Urban

Joseph Urban, 91, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully with his wife Renee by his side. He lived a full life, known for his wonderful (and fabulously silly) sense of humor, he told most of it as a story that got better every year.

Born in Newark, NJ on February 6, 1935, to Irma Svitak Urban, Joe met the love of his life, Renee Troger, at Irvington High School. In April they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary, proof that he got one big decision exactly right. In 1953, he was drafted by the New York Yankees, a dream most of us only have from the couch. He went on to serve his country, stationed abroad, in the U.S. Army.

After his service, Joe founded his own construction company built on incredible integrity. His word was his contract, and took great pride in his work. He even built a house in Manalapan, NJ from the foundation up, that he and Renee lived in for many years. In later years, he and Renee made their home in The Villages, where he traded job sites for golf courses and working as a special events supervisor.

He always had a joke ready and a story to go with it. He loved writing "run-around games" at Christmas, spending time with family and friends, sports (especially Major League Baseball), travelling and cruises with a close group of friends, a round of golf, and a hand of poker. Just don't serve him a green vegetable. He was firm on that.

He believed in simple wisdom. His medical advice never changed: "Does it hurt when you do that? Then don't do that." His culinary advice: “Don’t fill up on bread.” And his design advice: “Simple, but elegant.”

Above all, he dearly loved his wife and his family. That was the one thing he never joked about.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Renee; and loving family: daughters Lori and husband Mark Monaghan (FL), Karen Decker (CO), Cindy and husband Charlie Farley (DE); grandchildren Matthew Joseph Monaghan (IL), Melissa and husband Jeff Bernald (CA), Kelly and husband Joe Conway (NJ), Kelsey Przygoda (NJ); great grandson Cameron Joseph Bernald, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Irma Urban, brother Michael Urban.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time where family will share a story or a joke. He'd insist on both. Green vegetables optional.

He is at peace, and hopefully has the remote to the recliner.