Obituary: Joseph A. DeSarbo, 81, of Madison

Information via The Swan Funeral Home

Joseph A. DeSarbo, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Middlesex Hospice, Middletown, CT. after a long illness. He was born in Hamden CT. on February 27, 1935 to the late Joseph A. DeSarbo and Rose Carbonella Desarbo. He graduated from Hamden High School.

After attending Business College, Joe worked for the family business J. DeSarbo & Bros. on South Orange Street, New Haven; a business his Grandfather started going door to door via horse and buggy selling soup bunches over 100 years ago.

The business grew over the years while he worked for his Father. At the passing of his Father he became President of the company until the time of his death. In the '60s Joe bought his Uncle's business and the name was changed to Carbonella & DeSarbo. In 1964 Joe moved the business to the New Haven Food Terminal.

At the time of his death he was Vice President of the New Haven Food Terminal; a position he held for several years. He devoted his life to the business which he was so proud of. He only knew hard work ethics and loved going to work everyday. Joe also was a Police Officer for 2 years with the Hamden Police Department.

He was a member of the Westbrook Elks for 23 years. He also was a member of Madison Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Thru Rotary he became to know Dr. Jerry Lowney, President of the Haitian Health Foundation and traveled to Jeremie, Haiti several times working as a volunteer at the Haitian Health Foundation Clinic. Joe donated "Happy Houses" to the poorest families in Jeremie, purchased several goats which were given to families and sponsored families thru the Save-A-Family program for over 20 years.

Surviving to cherish his beautiful memories are his wife Ruth of 24 years; his sons Joe DeSarbo and wife Leah of Wallingford; Michael DeSarbo of New Haen, John DeSarbo of Woodbridge; daughters Jean DeSarbo-DeMayo and son-in-law Jay DeMayo of Woodbridge and Diane DeSarbo-Klein and husband Mark Klein of Orange; and his beloved step-son Edward Hannett and wife Kim of Westbrook.

Joe also had 11 grandchildren. Maria DeSarbo of Branford, Michelle DeSarbo Centore's of West Haven, Kristin DeSarbo Evans of Branford; Jayme DeMayo, Joshua DeMayo and Jonathan DeMayo of Woodbridge, Allie Klein, Jonah Klein, Kaitlyn Klein and Leah Klein of Orange; Faith DeSarbo of Woodbridge and two great grandsons; Sebastion Boney of Raleigh, N.C. and Declan Evans of Branford. His extended family included four step grandchildren; Abby Sanford, Libby Sanford and Hunter Sanford of Westbrook and Tobin Hannett of Zebulon. N.C. and his faithful rescue dog, Marley who never left his side. Joe loved sitting in his recliner with Marley on his lap which he was constantly petting him.

A very special "Thank You" to Edward, Kim, Abby and Libby for being there the past few weeks for Joe's final journey.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Haitian Health Foundation Hurricane Matthew Victims, c/o Madison Rotary Club, P.O. Box 335, Madison, CT. 06443 in Joe's memory.