Canton Obituary: Joseph Hatala, 96

Joseph A. Hatala passed away on Sunday August 13, 2017 at the age of 96, in his home with his family.

He was born in Riddlesburg, PA on April 23, 1921, son of Joseph Maciez Hatala and Anna (Kuruscz/Kurtz) Hatala. He was the beloved husband of Josephine (Woodward) Hatala for 66 years. Joe was an outstanding caregiver for many years for his loving wife.

He worked at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford as a skilled machinist for 40 years. Joe was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed taking care of his vegetable garden and fruit trees. As a hobby, he built many wood duck and blue bird houses, that he placed in various local areas to maintain their population. Later in his life, he loved ballroom dancing and teaching others to dance.

In World War II, Joe was initially stationed in North Africa under General Patton as a heavy machine gunner. Later, he served in the engineering division in the army, erecting Bailey bridges across rivers from France to Germany.

Joseph was predeceased by his sister and brother in law, Margaret and Louis Liptak; sister Betty Majersky; sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Jack Liptak; sister and brother-in-law, Sophie and Felix DeFronzo and sisters-in-law Jenny Kostrisak and Alice Crelan; brothers-in-law Steve Paluba and James (Woody) Woodward. He leaves behind his sister, Mary Paluba and brother John Kostrisak, a brother-in-law, Henry Woodward and his wife Barbara and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Woodward.Besides his wife Jo, he is survived by his daughter Ann Marie Colwell and her husband Francis Colwell of Winchester and his daughter Janet Clarke and her husband Andrew Clarke Sr. of Simsbury, his grandson Andrew Clarke Jr., and wife Mariah and his granddaughter Jennifer Clarke as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name can be made to Wounded Warriors at www.woundedwarriorproject.orgT...

Thank you to McLean’s Hospice and Home care with special thanks to Niki Tubach and Pam Seger for their guidance, patience, compassion and professionalism in caring for Joe.

Funeral services and burial were private.