Joseph E. Tighue of Hamilton

Joseph E. Tighue, 87, of Hamilton, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell in Hopewell, NJ.

Joe was born in 1932 in Scranton, PA. He worked part-time selling shoes at Kitty Kelly’s until he graduated from Trenton High School in 1952. Soon after graduation, he went into the Army and served overseas during the Korean Conflict. After the war, he was able to attend college under the G.I. Bill. He studied business, real estate and insurance at Rider College and Rutgers University.

In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Marie Dileo, and while still in their 20’s, they started the Tighue Realty Co. They lived in Hamilton Square where the family raised three children. Joe had many interests. He loved politics, art, business, teaching, golf and sports.

In 1969 Joe was selected to run for Mercer County Freeholder. He went on to serve three terms. In 1976 Joe became the first president of the Mercer County Surrogate and for ten years served as Surrogate and Judge of the Probate Court. He left the Surrogate office in 1990 and at the age of 60, went back to school to earn the very prestigious MAI Appraisal designation. He became president of Certified Appraisal Service, and founded the Tighue Appraisal Group. He also served as President of the Mercer County Board of Realtors, and was named “Realtor of the Year” when he was recognized nationally for starting a work release program that utilized County workhouse inmates to rehab run-down city houses. Joe recently served as President of the Hamilton Art Group, and his paintings have received several first place awards.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Elizabeth (Baumgardner) Tighue; as well as his sisters, Jean and Eileen. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie (Dileo) Tighue; his sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Tighue and Jennifer Neff of Robbinsville and Robert and Lisa Tighue of Cherry Hill; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Bill Murray of Chesterfield; his six grandchildren, Jacklyn, Joseph, Mandi, Max, Kaitlyne and Leah; his brother, Thomas of Ewing Township; and his many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin on Thursday, August 29, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ. Entombment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum in Hamilton, NJ. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Saul Colonial Home.

www.saulfuneralhomes. com