BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Joseph Francis Nicastro, Bridgewater, died Monday (8-25-08) in Somerset (N.J.) Medical Center. He was 84.

Joseph was born in Sharon and lived in Sharpsville before residing in Bridgewater for the last 38 years.

He was a manager in Exxon International Tanker Operations for 19 years, retiring in 1984.

Joseph was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, Long Island.

He was a member of the New York Port Engineers Society, and served as an engineer on merchant vessels in World War II.

He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve and as a commander in the United States Maritime Service.

He was a consultant to American Foreign Shipping on contractual work for the Maritime Administration, covering their Ready Reserve Fleet Vessels. He commissioned for active duty USMA-R.R.F. vessels during operation Desert Storm and during the Persian Gulf War.

Surviving are: his wife, Bertha Lotka Nicastro; his daughter, Valerie Gunter and her husband Damon, Clarksville, Md.; two sisters, Isabelle Harris, Richmond, Va.; and Leanore Garth, Roanoke, Va.; and two grandchildren, Diandra and Trevor.

NICASTRO

Joseph Francis, 84, Bridgewater, N.J.

Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-28-08) in HIGGINS HOME FOR FUNERALS, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, N.J. To send condolences visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com

Service: Funeral service at 9 a.m. Friday (8-29-08) in the funeral home. Mass of Resurrection at 10 a.m. Friday in Blessed Sacrament Church, Martinsville, N.J.

Interment: Saturday (8-30-08) in St. Rose’s Cemetery, Hermitage.