Joseph (J.P.) Miele , 81, a philanthropist, businessman, author, devoted public servant, and advocate for the residents of New Jersey, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on 05/26/2021, at his home in Jensen Beach, Florida.

J.P., the son of the late Maria E. (Cona) and Anthony Miele, was born and raised in Essex County New Jersey, a community that never strayed far from his heart. J.P.'s long and storied public service career, spanned more than 45 years and was fueled by his passion to be of service to the state of New Jersey and his fellow residents. He was proud to have worked in publicly appointed positions with Governors Brendan Byrne, Thomas Kean, James J. Florio, Christine Todd Whitman, Donald T. DiFrancesco, John O. Bennett, James E. McGreevey, Richard J. Codey and Jon S. Corzine until his retirement in 2007.

In 1972, J.P. was youngest first assistant prosecutor in the history of Essex County. A fierce advocate for the prevention of substance use disorder, J.P. was the founder and Chairman of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, the State's largest public service campaign and was a driving force behind the creation of the New Jersey Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, for which he was appointed the inaugural Chairman by Governor Thomas H. Kean, in 1985 and was a position he held until his retirement in 2007.

J.P held many other roles in New Jersey government; he served as a commissioner of the New Jersey Highway Authority, and as treasurer and president of the Garden State Arts Foundation. Governor Christine Todd Whitman appointed J.P. as a commissioner of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and in 2002 Governor James E. McGreevey appointed him as Vice Chairman of the Turnpike. J.P. also served as chair the Committee for a Smart New Jersey and Vice Chairman of New Jersey's Constitutional Bicentennial Commission. In an effort to help others, J.P. established the Joseph P. Miele Foundation, which awarded academic scholarships to needy students based on need and academic excellence and provided grants to individuals or groups in the field of addiction recovery. J.P. had a sincere interest in every student, serving as a mentor and friend to each of them, corresponding regularly with encouragement and advice. Over one million dollars was awarded in scholarship aid by his foundation.

A successful attorney and businessman, J.P. established the private law practice Miele, Cooper, Spinrad and Kronberg and was the owner of over 20 companies throughout New Jersey and the United States.

While in retirement, J.P. became a best-selling author when he joined Jack Canfield to co-write the book, The Road to Success: Today's Leading Entrepreneurs and Professionals Reveal Their Step-By-Step Systems to Help You Achieve the Health, Wealth and Lifestyle You Deserve.

J.P. was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his commitment to helping others throughout his life. His legacy is that his work, dedication, and accomplishments continue to improve the lives of countless people.

During his retirement, J.P. cherished the time he was able to spend with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

J.P. is survived by his loving brother Richard J. Miele, sons Joseph A. Miele and James L. Miele, daughter Dina M. Lobaina, grandchildren Joseph P. Miele II, Sean C. Miele, Alexis M. Lobaina, Nicholas AJ. Lobaina, Isabella G. Lobaina and great grandchildren Grace L. Miele and Joseph Lewis Miele.

Visitation & Prayer Service will take place on June 2 ^nd , 2021 4-8PM

Forest Hills Memorial Park

2001 SW Murphy Road

Palm City, FL  34990

Followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Martin De Porres Church June 3 ^rd , 2021 10:30AM

2555 NE Savannah Road

Jensen Beach, FL  34957

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

Partnership for a Drug Free NJ

155 Milburn Avenue

Millburn, NJ  07041

Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation

In Memory of JP Miele

1201 SE Indian Street

Stuart, FL 34997