St Joseph’s Home For Elderly has a deep-rooted history of compassionate service and care for elderly residents in the region. The origins of this mission date back to 1878, when care for the aged began at the first home established on South Eighth Street in Newark. Building upon this foundation, a second facility later opened at 70 Dey Street in Paterson in 1901, further extending the outreach to the elderly poor. Over the decades, the demand for quality care and a nurturing environment grew, eventually leading to the need for a more spacious and modern facility.
In response to this need, construction began in 1974 for a new building in Totowa, which would become known as St Joseph’s Home. This significant milestone culminated in 1976 with the dedication of the new home, accommodating the transfer of approximately 250 residents from the previous Newark and Paterson homes. St Joseph’s Home quickly became a sanctuary where thousands of elderly individuals who had fallen on hard times could find dignified care, comfort, and a sense of community as they approached their final years. The atmosphere within the Home was one of loving attention, where each resident was accompanied on their journey with respect for their unique dignity and life story.
Throughout its years of operation, St Joseph's Home For Elderly garnered a reputation for being a place where the sanctity of life was treasured. The focus was always on providing compassionate and devoted care to those most vulnerable, ensuring that every resident felt cherished and valued. This commitment to service was steadfast, marking the Home as a place of peace, kindness, and spiritual comfort for all who entered its doors.
Over time, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and adapt the mission, a strategic decision was made to undergo changes that would allow resources to be directed to vital upgrades and reconstruction projects in other locations. Although St Joseph’s Home in Totowa eventually saw its final chapter as part of these adjustments, its legacy endures. The continued generosity and support garnered over the years have enabled the ongoing mission of caring for the elderly poor in numerous communities.
The impact of St Joseph’s Home For Elderly is reflected in the thousands of lives touched, offering a testament to the spirit of care, community, and respect for life that has been its hallmark since the late nineteenth century. The home remains a symbol of unwavering dedication to nurturing the elderly, accompanied by a lasting spirit of gratitude and prayer for all those who have been part of its compassionate mission.