Obituary: Joseph P. Grandel Sr., of Branford

Information via W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Joseph P. Grandel Sr. devoted husband of the late Joan Rice, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2016. He was born in Stony Creek on February 9, 1916, son of the late Rosario and Concetta Trifiletti Grandel.

Joe is survived by his brother Frank Grandel, by his children, Virginia Grandel (Henry) Fox, Thomas Grandel, Joseph (Barbara Hurteau) Grandel Jr. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Matthew (Beth) Fox, Rachel Fox (Mark Giavarini), Justin (Becky) Fox, Regan Fox and Amy Borrero and his great grandchildren Renee Fox, Alden Fox, Brenna Fox and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Thomas, Alfred, Anthony, Mary, Elizabeth, Enrico and Francis.

Joe was part of a large, first generation Italian family. His father, a Stonecutter in the Stony Creek quarry, and his mother, taught their children the value of hard work and to be proud of their family, their heritage, their Catholic faith and the unique community in which they were raised. Joe lived a remarkable 100 years and never really was sick his entire life.

He was a drummer in the Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps during Stony Creek's 6 consecutive State Championship wins in the 1930's. In 1941 Joe worked as a welder in the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard. It was here that he learned of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. When the US Government lifted the freeze for ship builders to leave and join the US Armed Forces Joe joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to Sheep's Head Bay for merchant seamen training.

He then set sail for the treacherous North Atlantic carrying precious cargo to support the Allied invasion.

After WWII and his service he then worked for Kay Plumbing and Heating as a Steamfitter in construction for 40 years.Joe was a member of the greatest generation. He believed in sacrifice, integrity, and the importance of family.

These things were most important to him. He never wanted anything for himself, but was all about taking care of his family and doing what was right. He exemplified these traits every moment of his life and instilled these values to all his family members.

He believed it was everyone's responsibility to take a stand on principle even in the face of unpopularity, or if it meant standing alone. Joe was the pillar of strength for the Grandel family and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.Friends may call at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford on Monday August 8 from 5-7 P.M.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Therese Church, Leete's Island Rd., Stony Creek on Tuesday August 9 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. Memorial Donations can be made to The Stony Creek Fire & Rescue Co. 5, 45 North Main St. Branford, CT 06405 or The Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library (Historical Collection) 146 Thimble Island Road, Stony Creek, CT 06405.