Apparently it's lucky to be a guy named Joe from Tinton Falls, N.J.
For the second time in just 14 months, a Joe who lives in the Monmouth County town (population 18,000) has stepped forward to collect a major lottery jackpot.
On Thursday, Giuseppe "Joe" Garofalo claimed his half of the $198 annuity jackpot from last Friday's Mega Millions drawing. He bought his ticket at Kwik Farms in the Monmouth County town.
The other winning ticket was sold in Farmville, Va., a rural town west of Richmond.
In March 2012, Celeste and Joseph Tamburello were the only winners of a $70 million annuity jackpot in Powerball. They opted for the $43.5 million cash.
Garofalo also went for the lump-sum payout, worth $73,279,052 (before taxes, of course).
He matched all the numbers drawn: 11, 15, 35, 43 and 49, with a Mega Ball of 41.
Garofalo told lottery officials he long believed he'd hit the lottery but was still surprised to learn he'd won and immediately told his wife.
Joseph Tamburello bought his winning ticket at Little Silver Pharmacy, in a nearby town. "I am going to trade in my cream puff Saturn for a brand new Cadillac!" Celeste said, while he added they were also planning "an amazing cruise vacation."
New Jersey had its biggest winner ever in March, as Pedro Quezada of Passaic hit an annuity jackpot worth $338.3 million and collected the cash, $211 million, less taxes.
Congrats to both Joes, enjoy!
My middle name is Joseph, maybe instead of going by RJ I should start using "Joe" instead. Congratulations to the lucky "Joe".
RJOh JoeOh
Congrats to Joe Guiseppe Garafalo!
I wonder if he and his wife will show up on Housewives of New Jersey? I think all the men on that show are named Joe. Or pretty close.
Is he related to Janeane Garofalo?
Congrtualtions Mr. Giuseppe
Was it a quick pick or his own number? I'm always curious to find out that information. I feel like Joe. I know I'm going to win, but just don't know when it will happen. I hope it's soon. I'd love to plan an amazing cruise too.
I wish when the winners turn in their tickets that they would tell us if it was self-pick or quick pick and at what time they were sold. Usually quick picks are the winners and it's always sold early am hours or in the evening a few hours before the draw. I'm kinda curious, if anyone know, let me know!
Nice work Joe, enjoy that Cadillac.
JoeOh sounds too much like Joe-hoe. lol.BETTER try OhJoe as in Ohhhhhh Joe, or Ohio-Joe.
What happed to the one year Anonymity. Guess it was'nt signed yet.
Sounds different when spoken locally. You're leaving the "hi" out of OhiO.
Hey Red eyes, I just read that it was a quick pick.
http://nj1015.com/mega-millions-winner-identified/
Besides being a quick pick (for the the winning numbers), he also spent $10 on this draw according to a news article.
Congrats congrats congrats! enjoy the vacation-cruise!!!
Joe will need to go on a diet after that vacation cruise. The buffets on the cruises are so insanely good and fattening!!! You're surrounded by water, so you can't go anywhere. Expect to gain at least 10 pounds!!!
Thank you so much. golfer1960!
Is everybody named Joe in New Jersey? lol
And Joe Garafalo sounds italian. I wouldn't doubt if he is part of the Italia Mafia. I heard that the mob chases down lottery winners, could be the conspiracy to why winners go broke in such a short period of time.
It must be the lucky name. I wonder if he used a lottery system to choose his numbers. I think I will hit the jackpot too using the system that I'm having now.