Obituary of Joseph E. Sefershayan

Joseph Edward Sefershayan, 58. Beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother- in-law, uncle, friend and local bartender died unexpectedly on January 1, 2022 in Bayonne, New Jersey. Joseph “Joe Sef” Sefershayan was born on April 17, 1963 in Staten Island, New York. He is the son of Frances Sefershayan (Careccia) and the late Edward Sefershayan. He attended St. Teresa’s School in Castleton Corners and Susan E. Wagner High School where he ran cross country and excelled in track with participation in the Penn Relays. He earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree from the College of Staten Island. It was during that time that Joe was the lead singer and guitarist for the band Tamony which played in various venues in the NY area and his love of music would continue to be a lifelong passion. While attending the College of Staten Island, he met his loving wife of 34 years, Beth Sefershayan (Widener). Joe and Beth married in 1987 at St Teresa’s and raised two daughters, Katelynn, 32, and Melissa, 29. Joe had a long career in retail management, starting with Runner’s World on New Dorp Lane which he owned with his father and ending his career at Staples in Jersey City. Aside from his day job, Joe worked as “Staten Island’s Only Singing Bartender” and was awarded “Barkeepoftheweek” by the Staten Island Advance. Joe Sef served drinks and songs to thousands of people at many bars on Staten Island for 35 years and most recently tended at The Kettle Black on Forest Avenue. Joe was the life of the party and made everything fun. He loved his crumb cake, singing karaoke, and playing his guitar. Joe loved spending time with his wife and daughters in their Westerleigh home of 24 years, and relaxing with his dogs and “grand” dogs. He looked forward to family events and making memories with his extended family as well. Joe is survived by his wife, Beth, his daughters Katelynn and Melissa, his mother, Frances, his brother, Vincent Sefershayan and wife Cazzy, his sister Victoria Taylor and her husband David, sister Sabrina Sefershayan, brother-in-law Robert Widener and his wife Kristen, sister-in-law Robin Ludwig and husband Jeff and brother-in-law Michael Whalen. Joseph’s passing was preceded by his father and sister Regina Whalen. He is also survived by 17 loving nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Thursday, departing at 10:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Teresa’s R.C. Church at 10:45 am. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday from 3:00 pm-9:00 pm and Wednesday 2:00 pm-4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Due to the mandate by the Governor, all visitors must wear masks!