Joe Germanotta, born on August 9, 1957, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is an American entrepreneur, restaurateur, and the father of Lady Gaga. With Italian-American roots, he has built a life deeply intertwined with his family’s values and his own entrepreneurial pursuits. While many know him as the father of one of the world’s biggest pop stars, his life story is one of hard work, family dedication, and cultural pride.
Early Life and Family Background
Joe’s roots trace back to a close-knit Italian-American family. His father, Joseph Anthony Germanotta Sr., and mother, Angelina Calderone Germanotta, instilled in him a strong sense of tradition and heritage. Growing up in New Jersey, Joe experienced the warmth of a culturally rich home, where family was the cornerstone of everything.
One significant event that shaped Joe’s life was the tragic loss of his sister Joanne, who passed away in 1974 from lupus at the age of 19. This loss profoundly impacted the Germanotta family, and later became a pivotal inspiration for Joe’s restaurant venture.
Joe Germanotta Education and Early Career
Joe Germanotta pursued his academic interests at Michigan State University, where he studied at the School of Hospitality Business, part of the Eli Broad College of Business. This education set the foundation for his later ventures in the hospitality industry.
Before his career in the restaurant world, Joe worked in telecommunications and technology. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a Wi-Fi services company that catered specifically to the hotel industry, providing internet solutions to numerous hotels across the country.
The Germanotta Family: Marriage and Children
Joe married Cynthia Louise Bissett in 1983, and the couple went on to have two daughters:
- Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, born in 1986.
- Natali Germanotta, born in 1992, who has pursued a career in fashion design.
Joe’s family, especially his daughters, have been integral to his life and work. His relationship with Lady Gaga has been widely documented, and while the two share a strong familial bond, their political differences have occasionally been a topic of public discussion. Despite differences, Joe has always shown unwavering support for his daughter’s LGBTQ+ advocacy and the social causes she champions.
Joanne Trattoria: The Family Restaurant
In 2012, Joe and his wife Cynthia opened Joanne Trattoria, an Italian-American restaurant in the Upper West Side of New York City. The restaurant is named after Joe’s late sister, Joanne, as a tribute to her memory. This family-owned restaurant became a symbol of Joe’s commitment to honoring his sister’s life and legacy.
The restaurant not only serves delicious Italian cuisine but also embodies Joe’s love for his family and cultural traditions. Over the years, Joanne Trattoria has become more than just a dining spot—it has evolved into a community hub that hosts live entertainment including drag shows, music performances, and cultural events. This shift reflects Joe’s desire to combine food, family, and entertainment in a unique setting.
Joe Germanotta Net Worth
As of 2025, Joe’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $6 million. His wealth stems from a combination of ventures, including his work in technology, his restaurant business, and book royalties from his cookbook, “Joanne Trattoria Cookbook”. The cookbook, published in 2016, contains not only family recipes but also personal stories and memories, offering readers a glimpse into the life and history of the Germanotta family.
Public Life and Philanthropy
Joe is deeply involved in philanthropic activities, especially those connected to mental health and youth empowerment. He is an active board member of the Born This Way Foundation, which was co-founded by his daughter Lady Gaga and his wife Cynthia. The foundation’s mission focuses on promoting kindness, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment, particularly in LGBTQ+ communities.
Joe’s public persona often centers around his entrepreneurial spirit, his commitment to his family, and his support for his daughter’s social advocacy.
Political Views and Controversies
While Joe is known for his support of conservative political views, particularly his Republican affiliation, this has led to occasional tensions with Lady Gaga, who is more aligned with liberal and progressive causes. However, Joe has made it clear that despite their differences, he continues to support the LGBTQ+ community and believes in social inclusivity. His restaurant, for example, regularly hosts events that promote inclusivity and diversity.
Joe’s public political stances, including his support for Donald Trump, have drawn both criticism and support, highlighting the complexity of his identity beyond the shadow of Lady Gaga’s fame.
Joe Germanotta Height, Age, and Personal Life
While details about Joe Germanotta height are not officially documented, he is often described as a tall and imposing figure. As of 2025, he is 68 years old, and continues to lead an active life between his business ventures and family obligations.
His religion is often speculated to be Catholic, given his Italian heritage, but this is never explicitly confirmed in interviews or media sources.
Conclusion
Joe Germanotta life story is an inspiring journey of resilience, family devotion, and entrepreneurial success. From his humble beginnings in New Jersey to becoming a restaurant owner and a recognized name in hospitality, Joe has consistently used his family values as the bedrock of his personal and professional life.
Through his role as the father of Lady Gaga, Joe has been thrust into the public eye, but he has successfully carved out his own identity, not just as the parent of a superstar but as a respected businessman, philanthropist, and cultural advocate. His work, particularly through Joanne Trattoria, continues to impact the community, blending his love for food, family, and entertainment in a way that honors his heritage and his loved ones.