Joseph C. Livingston

Joseph Charles Livingston, of Highland Park, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at home. He was 49 years old. Born in Edison, he grew up in Freehold, NJ before moving to Highland Park in 2004.

Surviving are his wife, Denise (Smith) Livingston, and their beloved children, Isabella Mary and Liam Joseph. Joe is predeceased by his father David O. Livingston (d. 2016). He also leaves behind his loving mother Cynthia (Denes) Casement and Arthur Casement of Murrells Inlet, SC;his brother Eric Livingston and his wife Kelly of Drexel Hill, PA; his sister, Susan Heavener and her husband Mark of Houston, TX; as well as his treasured nephews, Caleb, Charles, and Max Livingston.

Joe was a Renaissance man of many interests and talents. Like his grandfather, he was an Eagle Scout (with Troop 18 in Freehold, NJ). He loved traveling and the outdoors, especially the Adirondacks, where his family vacationed every year. As a child, he was an avid baseball player and was on the swim and soccer teams in high school, as well as participating in the school musicals. He was also a D1 Heavy Weight rower with the Rutgers Crew Team in college. While at Rutgers University, he earned his BS in Civil Engineering and later went on to earn a Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. Joe took great pride in exploring his Scottish Heritage and sharing this culture with others. One of the most formative times in his life was the year he spent studying abroad in Glasgow, Scotland. While there, Joe formed lifelong friendships and deep bonds, especially with his mentors John and Morag Copeland and their family. 

Joe was an accomplished musician skilled in vocals, piano, organ, and bagpipes. Joe shared his faith and musical gifts to bring comfort and joy to others; from playing bagpipes with the Port Authority Pipes and Drum Band honoring lives lost at the 9/11 services, to participating in worship music at church or just playing at home alongside his children, who share their dad’s gift of music. He also loved coaching both of his children in soccer and baseball and was extremely proud of the HPSA girl’s soccer team, The Shrikes, that he helped coach. An enthusiastic extrovert, he loved chatting with people about a myriad of subjects, but especially about his faith. He could often be found reading the Economist or listening to the BBC in his spare time.

Joe was a Supervising Engineer for the NJ Turnpike Authority in Woodbridge, NJ. He was very proud of his work and the team he led, and would often eagerly point out some of his ongoing or prior projects to anyone driving the Turnpike with him. Joe was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, November 12th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at The Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19 S. 2nd Ave, Highland Park.   A Funeral Service will be Friday, November 13th from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm followed by a repast in the social hall at the church. Entombment will be private at Holmdel Cemetery in Holmdel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are by The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St.-at Riva Avenue, Milltown.  You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com