Astarita, Joseph R. age 87 a resident of River Edge for over 50 years died Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Beloved husband of Rosa (nee) Salerno. Devoted father of Michael Astarita and his wife Joanne, and Andrew Astarita and his wife Diane. Loving grandfather of Ashley, Amanda, Adam, Joseph, Alyson, and Alycia. Dear brother of Michael and Anthony Astarita. Joseph spent many years as a school bus driver for the State of New Jersey. He was a World War II Veteran having served proudly in the US Army. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle in River Edge, a proud member of the New Milford Chapter of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the River Edge VFW. Funeral service Monday 9:30AM from the Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell then to St. Peter’s RC Church, River Edge for a 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment to follow at the NJ Veteran’s Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ. Family and friends are invited to visit Sunday 2-4 & 7-9PM. In lieu of flowers donations in his name to St. Peter’s Church, 431 5th Ave., River Edge, NJ 07661 or to Grace Lutheran Church, 925 5th Ave., River Edge, NJ 07661 are appreciated by the family.