Obituary of Joseph J. Montanaro

Joseph J. Montanaro, age 95, of Oxford, beloved husband of the late Anne Frances Falco Montanaro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the Veterans Hospital, West Haven. Born on November 27, 1925 in Bridgeport, he was a son of the late Anthony and Amelia DiLibro Montanaro. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Joe was member of the Amphibian Corps and bravely took part in the invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was a retired carpenter for the City of Bridgeport Housing Authority. A musician since the age of 10, he was a member of the Navy Jazz Band and volunteer in the Central High School Band, Troubadours and Park City Pride Drum and Bugle Corp. He loved woodworking and built many grandfather clocks and crafts for his family. Affectionately known as "Papa Joe" to everyone, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include two devoted sons, Anthony (Butch) Montanaro and his wife Linda of Oxford and Thomas Montanaro and his wife Linda of Monroe, four cherished grandchildren, Brad Montanaro and his wife Linda, Heather Franse and her husband Scott and Andrea Wasilewski and her husband Patrick and Lauren Montanaro, four great grandchildren, Natalie, Claire, Grady and Edie, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Dempsey, Mike, Gene and Al Montanaro and six sisters, Betty Montanaro, Susie Civitelli, Angie Ventresca, Mary Montanaro, Margaret Montanaro and Rose Maglio. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11:15 p.m. in Section 1 of Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Rd., Trumbull. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. Due to concerns surrounding social gatherings all other funeral services will be held privately for the immediate family.