Margaret Josephs' Husband Joe Benigno Is a Plumber — Inside the RHONJ Star's Personal Life
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Margaret Josephs is married to Joe Benigno. She has publicly defended her husband’s job as a plumber several times.
Josephs has been part of the cast of “RHONJ” since its eighth season in 2017. At the time, nothing was known about her or her husband other than he goes by “Super Joe.”
On Josephs’ website, she described Benigno as a plumber and contractor. She pointed out that they have a “joie de vivre” attitude towards life, which is why they eloped in Las Vegas in 2013. More on their relationship later.
Margaret Joseph during an interview with "The Wendy Williams Show" in April 2021 | Photo: Getty Images
MARGARET JOSEPHS’ DATING HISTORY
While the “RHONJ” star seems in love with Benigno, he’s certainly not the only man she’s been romantically involved with. Josephs once admitted she felt pressured to be intimate with a former boss.
When Josephs was just 22 years old, she got her first job in NYC’s garment district. Her good-looking boss, 20 years her senior, always showed interest in her and would invite her to different stores to shop together.
After grabbing dinner, they would go to his apartment, where the unnamed man would pressure Josephs to sleep with him. The reality TV personality admitted she gave in, adding that they had a “weird dynamic” and it was “a very different time.”
Margaret Josephs and Andy Cohen | Photo: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
It is unclear how and when their relationship ended. By January 1994, she was already married to Jan Josephs. When they tied the knot, Jan – also 20 years older than her – had three children from a previous marriage.
About his kids, Margaret Josephs said they needed someone to love them. She was perfect for that role as she was “completely obsessed with them.”
Margaret Josephs | Photo: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
RELATIONSHIP WITH STEPCHILDREN
Josephs divorced her first husband in 2013, which probably damaged her relationship with her stepchildren. In 2018, she explained she hadn’t talked to two of Jan’s three children for six years.
According to Josephs, they don’t hate her; they’re just “holding a grudge.” After saying she’d die over them, she was hopeful that things would get easier over time.
Margaret Josephs and her mother Marge Sr. | Photo: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
Jan and Margaret Josephs’ son together is 21 years old now, and nothing much is known about him. She even said people thought she never had biological children.
Josephs didn’t like [Teresa Giudice's] comments and said there’s nothing wrong with being a plumber.
Margaret Josephs and husband Joe Benigno | Photo: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
MARGARET JOSEPHS’ HUSBAND, JOE
Coming back to Josephs and Joe Benigno, they made headlines in January 2021 after revealing they dealt with COVID-19. Josephs’ mom and assistant, Marge Sr. and Marleny, also tested positive.
The 53-year-old plumber had it worse, so he even spent some time hospitalized. Fortunately, he made it out okay, and they were all safe and sound by January 7.
Margaret Josephs and her husband Joe Benigno | Photo: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
Josephs and Benigno’s relationship has raised some eyebrows in “Real Housewives of New Jersey.” Joe Gorga, Melissa Gorga’s husband, was shocked about how Josephs treated Benigno during a heated argument.
Joe told Benigno that Josephs was rough on him, and he wouldn’t let his wife treat him that way. Benigno admitted his wife was indeed rough but added that their arguments are “gone” in “10 minutes.”
Margaret Josephs and her husband Joe Benigno | Photo: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
In May this year, it was Josephs' turn to defend her husband publicly. During the “RHONJ” reunion, Josephs said that her co-star Jennifer Aydin had “Married to a plastic surgeon” written on her Instagram bio, adding that it was her “identity.”
Teresa Giudice, another Housewife, claimed it was probably because Aydin was proud that she’s married to a plastic surgeon. She added that Josephs wouldn’t say she’s married to a plumber.
Margaret Josephs' husband Joe Benigno and Joe Gorga | Photo: Instagram/therealmargaretjosephs
Josephs didn’t like her comments and said there’s nothing wrong with being a plumber. She praised her husband by labeling him as an honest, caring, loving, and supportive man.
Margaret Josephs even posted a photo of Benigno and Joe Gorga working, writing in the caption that she’s proud of all the hardworking men. Josephs and Benigno definitely have a strong bond.