Leonard Joseph "Joey" Fons

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Joey's charisma was electric. He was always ready with a silly smile, a laugh, and a welcoming playful personality.

Found Eternal Peace in the Arms of God on Thursday July 16, 2026 age 69. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard C. Fons and Patricia Fons (Kuszewski), and his sister Lynn Marie Fons. He is survived by his niece and godchild Christina Lynn Fons and cousin Narciso Jerome Fellin.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Joey's childhood home was in Cudahy. The Fons family moved to New Jersey when Leonard C. Fons took a dream job in New York City in 1962 to work for Electronic Associates Inc, a company involved in the Apollo Space Program. Joey would remain in New Jersey and his life was shaped by this decision. Growing up on the Jersey Shore, Joey made life long friends and many outstanding memories. He was a quarterback on the Red Bank Regional High School team that went undefeated and were state champions in 1976. He was proud of that accomplishment and his physique of 6'1" and 170 pounds.

During his youth, he carried on the family tradition of his beloved father Leonard and Uncle Philip Fons of being award winning sailors. His Morgen ¾ ton vessel named "Wild Fire" was brought from Lake Michigan to the Atlantic Ocean where it was painted red and given the name "Wild Fire" from the Michael Martin Murphey song. During his youth, he was a member of the Shrewsbury Yacht Club and Atlantic Highland Yacht Club. His awards included winning the Keyport New Jersey Yacht Club Race three years in a row, the Raritan Yacht Club Race two times, the Bay Head Yacht Club race three times, the Brielle Yacht Club race three times, and the Manasqua Youth Club race two times. He sailed in the Annapolis Yacht Club for three summers and raced in the Chesapeake Bay against the US Naval Academy Team.

After high school he was accepted and nominated to the Merchant Marine Academy and was nominated to the US Airforce Academy. He attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Marquette University. Joey officially graduated from Wagner College in New York City with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. He owned and operated the Atlantic Benefit Plan Brokerage and was the co-founder of house painting business Pustrom Brothers. He worked with one of his dear friends and sailing companion Markus Pustrom for many years listening to New Jersey radio station 90.5 the Knight daily.

Joey's charisma was electric. He was always ready with a silly smile, a laugh, and a welcoming playful personality that made people gravitate towards him. His friends and family always have an amazing Joey story that is probably filled with a good time, classic Rock and Roll music, and a possible drink or two. His godchild Christina fondly remembers his famous Friday nights. Every Friday all were welcome to join Joey by sharing a toast to his departed loved ones and several rum and cokes while listening to his favorite bands including Led Zeppelin and Supertramp. Joey's famous quote of "Play it Loud!" will always be remembered and practiced by those who love him.

Joey was gifted with numbers that he put to good use at the Atlantic City Claridge Casino and Monmouth Park Racetrack. From 1987-1999, Joey had an amazing 90% win rate! At Monmouth Park Racetrack, Joey could be found looking at his self-made number charts as he deciphered the number patterns for each race from year to year. There were strict rules and patterns when placing bets. His family teased him for his unique betting strategy but it worked for him as he enjoyed sitting at the green picnic tables at one of his favorite places. Joey fondly always played the "4" because Christina was the ultimate winner one day betting the "4" to match her age. Joey's love of horseracing included his famous Kentucky Derby parties which included a betting pool, live music, and countless memories.

Joey's other passions were raising German Shepherds including his beloved "Skippy", muscle cars including a Z and Jaguar, and the Green Bay Packers. His love of the Packers continued in New Jersey as he always wore his Packer vest to support his team and had his Packer breakfast which included Polish Kielbasa. Joey's love for food was enhanced by him being the best chef around. He was truly gifted in the art of cooking and enjoyed displaying this talent for holiday dinners where all were welcome at his table. This was Joey at his core, he was someone who always had a friendly demeanor who wanted to make you laugh and enjoy life for what it was: a sailing cruise or a memorable ride with no fixed destination just an amazing time!

Interment and Christian burial on Friday, July 24 at Holy Sepulcher 3800 E College Ave. Cudahy, Wisconsin at 2pm. Memorials, if so desired, may be made to Joey's family.