Obituary of Joseph Tetu
Joseph (Red) Tetu, beloved husband of the late Viola Paglinco Tetu, age 85, of Bridgeport, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 in St. Vincents Medical Center with his loving children by his side. Born in Derry, New Hampshire on October 30, 1925, he was a son of the late Joseph and Eva Boisvert Tetu. At the age of 17, Red joined the U.S. Navy and along with his three brothers they all represented their country in the various armed forces at the same time. Mr. Tetu served aboard the Mother Ship, Aircraft Carrier USS Essex. His ship received ten battle stars for its extraordinary heroism displayed in the Pacific War Area in action against the enemy forces in the air, ashore and afloat. He was a retired member of the Ironworkers Local 424, where he had 38 years of dedicated service. He loved his family and his country and had many interests but his true passion was boxing. A well known boxing enthusiast and historian, he was known throughout the boxing world as the Encyclopedia of Boxing. He was a member of the USS Essex Association, Marchegianna Italian Society and the Boxing Hall of Fame. Red was a loving father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his four loving children, Joey Tetu and his wife Pamela of GA, Gail Gibb and her husband Donald of Bethel, Gary Tetu and his wife Liz and Dino Tetu and his wife Suzana, all of Trumbull, nine cherished grandchildren, Desiree, Cassandra, Evette, Eric and his wife Jaylene, Vanessa, Joey, Jenna, Nicholas and Olivia, one great granddaughter, Ciara, a brother, Edward Tetu of FL, a sister, Irene Zelinik and her husband Frank of Fairfield, his lifelong friend John McFadden of Fairfield, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by two brothers, William and Arthur Tetu.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff of St. Vincents, and dear friend Dr. Pasquale Masone for his dedication, love, care and compassion shown to Red during his time of need.
Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. from the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow in St. Monica Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Monday from 4-8 p.m.