"Susan Les and family, Victor (Hon), our deepest sympathy to you all. Uncle Joe was exactly as you described him. Love, laughter and family. He lived life to the fullest. We have a lot of good memories. Love you Lynn and Don. "
In loving memory of
Joseph J. Kara, Jr.
June 14, 1929 - July 30, 2018
Joseph J. Kara, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully in his home in Toms River, NJ on July 30, 2018. Joe is survived by his children: Victor Kara of Toms River, NJ and Susan Armstrong (Les) of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren: Michael Kara (Erin), Megan Armstrong and Caitlin Salzer (Paul), all of FL; great grandchildren: Gavin Kara, Kane Kara, and Colin Salzer, also all of FL. Joe is preceded in death by his loving wife Lynne Kara, son Joseph "Mickey" Kara, parents Joseph and Clorinda Kara, and sister Gloria Kara.
Joe was born and raised in South River, NJ, attended South River High School and served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. Joe owned and operated several beauty parlors: Kara's Beauty Shop in Milltown, NJ; Hairdo Haven in North Brunswick, NJ; and Miss Socialite in East Brunswick, NJ. He was in his element in the beauty shops as he loved to charm the ladies. Joe spent every summer at the Jersey Shore and moved to Toms River after he retired. Joe always had boats and was eager to take his family and friends out for boat rides and water skiing. He built and raced speed boats with high performance engines, winning many races. One beloved race boat was named, "When You're Hot, You're Hot!"
Joe Kara was a stellar Hungarian-Italian New Jersey Man, who lived a large life. He was fiercely proud of his family and loved them without condition. He was always there to help, share his wisdom, life lessons and guidance. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting around the kitchen table and reminiscing about the "Good Old Days" or having a healthy debate. He was a master of quick wit and funny one-liners which made everyone laugh. Joe's family and friends will miss him tremendously and rejoice in his life.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 1329 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ. A private committal service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph's memory to Jersey Shore Animal Center, 185 Brick Blvd., Brick, NJ 08723 www.jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org or Deborah Heart and Lung Center, 200 Trenton Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 08015 www.demandeborah.org .