Joseph "Joey" Berardi

In Loving (and Laughing) Memory of Joseph "Joey" Berardi 

The world lost one of its biggest personalities—and biggest Giants fans—when Joey passed away. Heaven just got a little louder, a little funnier, and a lot more charismatic.

Born a charmer, Joey always knew how to work a room—starting with the one in church, where he served as an altar boy. From there, he went on to be an Orangemen playing basketball at Syracuse—or as he called it ‘Cuse. 

A performer to his core, he first brought down the house as the Tin Man in his Catholic school play. The reviews were glowing—mostly from his mom, [Gina Berardi] and his grandmother, [Assunta], who notoriously spoiled him right down to giving him a brand new blue corvette with white interior. After they slipped extra money in his pockets he would speed off in John Travolta style on Saturday nights to the clubs in Queens. In fact, Joey was surrounded by women his entire life, and honestly, I am not sure he would have had it any other way.

He had a heart as big as his laugh—especially when it came to kids with disabilities, inspired by the bond he shared with his youngest brother [Anthony Berardi] who suffered from cerebral palsy. Joey proudly volunteered as a referee for the Special Olympics New Jersey Snow Bowl game at MetLife Stadium.  Off the field, his booming voice could be heard on stand up comedy stages across the tri-state area and occasionally as a guest on Sirius XM Radio with the signature tagline “Joey B speaks the truth about sports.” 

Off the field, Joey was a passionate sports fan, and by passionate, we mean cursing at the TV when the Giants didn’t cover the spread. Last Sunday during his final hours on earth he was watching the G-Men right down to the last second.... even if they did blow a huge lead and miss a winning kick, we can't say they didn't give Joey a grand finale Big Blue style. 

He was also an avid reader—The Post and The News were his daily staples, proof that he was an old school New Yorker through and through. In the car, Joey was tuned into sports talk radio all day, every day. Joey had “The Fan or 1010 WINS playing 24/7, always ready to chime in with his own take like he was part of the show. (“You give us 22 minutes, we’ll give you the world” — and Joey gave the radio his opinion right back and out loud!)

To know Joey was to know that he loved a good bet, whether it was on the golf course or at the track. If there was a wager to be made, on the Rangers, the Yankees or a horse — he made it. I mean who else would teach their daughters how to place a trifecta at OTB on the ride home?

A natural born salesperson he had a long career selling everything from Gallo Wines to US Tobacco, even though he never drank or smoked. Rarely at a loss for words or confidence— he certainly could turn on the charm at a party, you couldn’t miss his booming voice or heavy feet when he walked in the door. His personality filled every space, and he always left an impression- his absence will be felt by everyone to have known him.

So, here’s to Joey—a giant among Giants fans, a true people person, the heart of the Tin Man who, despite what the script said, never lacked one.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 6:30-7:30 PM at Immaculate Conception Church, 900 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 7:30 PM. Cremation will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Special Olympics NJ https://www.sonj.org/get-involved/ways-give/donate/

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