Joseph J. Sikora: 55 Years of Service to Linden

Joseph J. Sikora, a pillar of Linden's funeral service profession for more than five decades, passed away on October 2, 2026, at the age of 80. Union County Life is honoring his legacy of dedication to his community and his profession.

Sikora was a 1963 graduate of Linden High School and earned his credentials from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York in 1966. He began his career at Werson Funeral Home in Linden in 1971 and remained there until his retirement in 2018—47 years of service to grieving families.

"He had a lifelong commitment to this community," his family wrote in his obituary notice. Sikora's professional accomplishments extended beyond his day-to-day work with families. He served as Past President of the Funeral Directors Association of Essex and Union Counties, leading the organization during 1982 and 1983. This leadership role reflected the respect his peers held for his judgment and integrity.

Beyond his professional life, Sikora was deeply involved in Linden. He was a former member of the Rotary Club of Linden and held the Silver PBA Card for Linden PBA Local 42—connections that spoke to his place in the community's civic fabric.

Sikora had a lifelong passion for the ocean and was an avid fisherman. He particularly loved fly fishing and made deep sea fishing trips to Florida with his closest friends, finding joy and restoration in those moments away from work.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Juli W. Sikora; three daughters, Jill M. Sikora, Kim Rakestraw, and Allison R. Calzaretta; three grandchildren; and his sister, Arleen Denchy.

A visitation was held Monday, October 12, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Werson Funeral Home, 635 North Wood Avenue, Linden. A funeral service took place Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11 AM, with interment following at Hazel Wood Cemetery in Clark.

For more information, contact Werson Funeral Home at 908-486-4118 or visit www.wersonfh.com.

FAQ

Q: Who was Joseph Sikora?
A: Joseph J. Sikora was a Linden High School graduate who spent 47 years as a Funeral Director and Manager at Werson Funeral Home in Linden, from 1971 until his retirement in 2018. He was a respected leader in the funeral service profession and an active member of the Linden community.

Q: What was Sikora's role in the funeral profession?
A: Beyond his work at Werson Funeral Home, Sikora was recognized by his peers as a leader in the funeral service industry. He served as Past President of the Funeral Directors Association of Essex and Union Counties from 1982 to 1983, a position that reflected the esteem in which colleagues held him.

Q: How was Sikora involved in the Linden community?
A: Sikora was a former member of the Rotary Club of Linden and held a Silver PBA Card with Linden PBA Local 42. These involvements demonstrated his commitment to civic and community service beyond his professional role.

Q: What were Sikora's personal interests?
A: Sikora had a lifelong love of the ocean and was an avid fisherman. He particularly enjoyed fly fishing and took deep sea fishing trips to Florida with close friends throughout his life.

Q: When was the funeral service held?
A: A visitation was held Monday, October 12, 2026, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Werson Funeral Home, 635 North Wood Avenue, Linden. The funeral service took place Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11 AM, with interment following in Hazel Wood Cemetery, Clark, NJ.