Born October 1, 1934 in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Departed September 3, 2023 in Palm Bay, Florida
With a peaceful heart and a life well-lived, Joseph Naulty, West Melbourne, left this world Sunday, September 3, 2023. Joseph was blind and deaf. In his adult years, Joseph was a strong supporter of the National Federation of the Blind and, more specifically, the NFG Deaf-Blind Division. Joseph is survived by his wife of 67 years, Arlene, and his sister M. Elizabeth. They have three sons Joseph, William Robert and daughter-in-law Nancy. Very special people in Joseph’s life include Donna and Jodi. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Nicole, Amanda, Christopher and Jaiden; two great grandchildren Olivia and Benjamin also mourn this loss.
Joseph as born in 1934 in New Jersey to Joseph Naulty, Sr., and Florence Marie Naulty. He lived the first half century of his life in New Jersey as a deaf-blind entrepreneur. For more than 20 years, he operated a small business, the JBN Company, Rahway, where he trained and employed many disabled and special needs individuals from surrounding communities.
After moving to Florida in 1985, Joseph became involved with the National Federation of the Blind on national, state and local levels. He founded the Melbourne Space Coast Chapter of NFB in 2015 and previously worked to expand memberships in other South Florida NFB Chapters. He also established new chapters and special interested NFB divisions in support of his life’s interest in disabilities, vision/hearing loss and special interest automobiles.
This was a joyful life, well lived, accomplished and celebrated. Please consider donations in his memory to the “Joe Naulty Deaf-Blind Scholarship Fund”. For more information, please contact Sylvia Young, Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind, 4424 Wesley Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32303 / or:
Nicole Hill
from Owens cross roads wrote on March 9, 2026:
My sweet Grandpa,
I have the best memories of you. From when I was a little girl playing in your office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, whenever we came over on Christmas afternoon. The house was decorated beautifully, and so was the Christmas tree. I remember it trimmed with tinsel and fancy ornaments from days gone by.
Grammy had the table set beautifully with a red tablecloth. She would be in the kitchen cooking up a storm for the whole family. I can still see her smiling and hear the laughter and happiness as each of us strolled through the kitchen to see what delicious food she was making. She did it all on her own, and she took such pride in it.
We would all sit at that long table and enjoy the best food Grandma made. Then it was time for coffee, vanilla bean ice cream, and her famous brownies.
When our bellies were full, Grandpa Joe would sit in his chair while Grandma handed out gifts. It seemed like the night went on forever, but it was never long enough.
I’d give anything to go back and have just one more Christmas as a kid with my parents, siblings, and family. You realize what is truly important, unfortunately, when it’s too late. I cherished those memories then, just as I do now.
My grandfather was an amazing man. He didn’t let anything stop him from doing what he wanted. And if he couldn’t do it himself, he could usually talk one of his sons into doing it — most likely my dad.
We miss you, Grandpa. Grammy misses you most of all. Dad is taking great care of her. They are still carrying on your legacy, going to car shows.
We all miss you so much.
Until we meet again.
Shirley Smart
from Port Saint Lucie wrote on March 19, 2024:
My deepest condolences to the family.🙏🏼
Rich Brown
from Melbourne wrote on September 15, 2023:
Blessings and love to the entire Naulty clan. Godspeed Joe Sr.
SHAWN GREZAFFI
from Melbourne wrote on September 13, 2023:
Only knowing Joe for a short time, I could tell he was Good man, thoughts are with his family.
Mary Catherine Pearce
from Palm Bay, FL wrote on September 9, 2023:
Joe leaves an indelible mark on everyone he met. I am blessed to have known him and his beautiful wife.
KATINA M KANGIS
from Palm Bay wrote on September 8, 2023:
Born October 1, 1934 in Elizabeth, New Jersey