Hillsborough's 'Favorite Shoemaker' Dies, Repair Shop To Close

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The beloved small family business DiStefano’s Shoe Repair is closing after the sudden death of Hillsborough's "favorite shoemaker" Joseph Anthony DiStefano, announced his wife Debbie.

"It is with great sadness and heartbreak that we the DiStefano family are announcing the closing of DiStefano’s Shoe Repair. The wonderful community of Hillsborough has helped our small family business flourish for over 37 years. With the sudden passing of my husband, the towns favorite shoemaker, we are forced to close," said Debbie DiStefano.

She noted that she will make every effort to return any items that were left at the store.

"Words can not express what this community has meant Joe and his family. Thank you all for your patronage," said Debbie.

DiStefano, 63, of Hamilton, died suddenly on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at home.

Born in Trenton, DiStefano was a lifelong area resident. He was a graduate of St. Anthony’s High School Class of 1978.

DiStefano owned and operated his own shoe repair business, DiStefano’s Shoe Repair & Quality Footwear in Hillsborough from November 1986 to the present.

"He enjoyed playing board games and attending his kids baseball games when they were younger. He loved maintaining his property and re-modeling his home which he took great pride in. Joseph enjoyed cooking on the grill and spending quality time with his family," according to his obituary with Brenna-Cellini Funeral Homes.

DiStefano is son to the late Charles Sr. and Angelina (Stia) DiStefano; son-in-law to the late Andrew and Evelyn Samu.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 34 years, Debra Lee (Uzupan) DiStefano; his two beloved boys, Joseph A. DiStefano Jr. and fianceé Julia Butler and Michael Joseph DiStefano and longtime girlfriend Nicole Ashley; his two siblings, Paula DiStefano Agabiti, and Charles DiStefano Jr. and partner Karen McCarthy; his four sisters-in-law, Geraldine Everet, Nancy Uzupan, Patricia Uzupan, and Christine Healy; a God son, Anthony Agabiti; brother-in-law Richard Agabiti; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.

Memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hamilton Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 2365 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd., Hamilton. Catholic prayer services will be held at noon.

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