Joseph M. Pate of Howell, NJ, died of complications related to Parkinson’s disease on January 4, 2010 at age 55. Born in Nashville, Tennessee to Joseph H. Pate and Elizabeth A. Pate, he moved to Westfield, NJ in 1969. A talented opera singer and salesman, he was much loved and admired by his family, friends, and every child he met. He was a 32nd degree Mason in the Valley of Trenton Lodge, a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow in Monmouth Council, a volunteer blacksmith at Allaire State Park, and a member of the Howell OEM and First Aid/Rescue squads. He is survived by his wife, Sharon and son, Seth; his father, Joseph; 3 brothers, John, James & Jeff and a sister, Elizabeth Miller. An informal gathering of friends and family will be held at the Howell First Aid Squad, 16 Kent Road, Howell, NJ, from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM Saturday, January 9. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Joe wished that donations be sent to: Boy Scout Venture Crew 191, c/o Squankum Fire Company, 271 Squankum Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727. Arrangements by the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Twp., NJ. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.