Joey Douglas

Joey Torino Douglas, affectionately known by family and friends as Pumpkin closed his eyes, entering into eternal rest and returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Monday January 16, 2023. Joey was born October 22, 1961 in Suffolk, VA to the late Dorothy and Roosevelt Junior Douglas. Joey’s family relocated to Paterson, NJ a few months after he was born. Joey received his early education from North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency in Clifton, NJ. He went on to earn his high school diploma from Passaic County Technical High School, Class of 1981. Joey was a hard and dedicated worker, always maintaining a job. Sunshine or rain, hail or snow, he was going to work. Bus, bike or walking, Joey was a man on a mission. He worked his first job as a Custodian at Hitching Post in Paterson, NJ for 2 years and went on to work at the Farmers Market in Clifton NJ for another 2 years before returning to where he first developed his skills for independent living -- at North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency, where he was employed as a Custodian for over 27 years until his accident. Joey was also a clean dresser with everything having to be color coordinated from head to toe - having the hair braided and tight was a must. He always had money but was good for pulling out that one empty pocket when you asked for some. Joey loved the Lord and dedicated his life to serving Him from an early age. He served as Deacon and Trustee at God’s Property Church in Haledon, NJ for more than 15 years. Joey faithfully attended church until COVID 19 affected his ability to physically be in the House of God, but that didn’t stop his worship. Joey loved Gospel music and he knew how to praise the God he served. Joey also loved sports: baseball, basketball, BINGO! He enjoyed a good game of BINGO, but he was a die-hard Mets fan! His favorite TV show was General Hospital. He would tape each episode so he could keep up with Luke and Laura when he got home. There were many facets to Joey “Pumpkin” Douglas - he was private, yet a very loving individual with a big heart and bigger smile. Joey was preceded in death by a nephew Bryce Daniel and leaves to cherish his memory: 3 sisters Joyce (Woodrow) Dubose of Passaic Park NJ, Constance Norman of Paterson NJ, Ursula (James) Bennett of Virginia Beach VA; 2 brothers Terrence Douglas and Dwayne Daniels both of Passaic Park NJ; Great-Aunt Annie White Kindred, Aunts Archie (George) Lyons and Beulah Bailey all of Suffolk VA; 6 Nieces LaQuanda Douglas (Manuel) Barbosa of Easton PA, TyKeisha Jones of Bloomfield NJ, Sabrina and Salina Watson of Passaic Park NJ, Ruthy Watson of Richmond VA, and Alisha Watson of North Bergen NJ; 1 nephew Terrence "TJ" Douglas of Easton PA, 3 grand-nieces, 7 grand-nephews and 1 great-niece; a dedicated cousin who held a special place in his life, Yvette Rivera of Paterson NJ; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Joey Douglas

October 22, 1961 - January 16, 2023