Manchester Obituary: Joseph Granato, 91

Joseph F. Granato, 91 of Manchester, beloved husband of the late Anna (Lassiter) Granato and father of the late Frank J. Granato, passed away peacefully with his family at his side Monday, Aug. 17, 2015.

Joseph was born March 27, 1924 in Hartford, son of the late Frank J. and Raffaela (Copola) Granato, and resided in Manchester for 55 years. He graduated from Buckley High School Class of 1941. He was a communicant of St. Bridget Church and actively involved in the building of St. Bridget School. Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer during World War II aboard the USS Hamul (Destroyer Tender) in the Atlantic and forward areas of the Pacific at Saipan Mariana Isles, Caroline Isles (Ulithi), Phillipine Sea, Keramo Retto, Ryukus Isles, and Okinawa where he was the recipient of the Bronze Battle Star, along with ribbons of the Victory Medal, Atlantic Medal, Pacific Medal (Bronze Star), Good Conduct Medal. He enjoyed UConn basketball teams and played golf in the Senior Leagues at Manchester Country Club and Vernon/Rockville League at Twin Hills, Coventry.

Mr. Granato is survived by his loving family, a son, Michael D. Granato and his wife, Maureen of Lebanon, two daughters, Mary Rae Granato of Manchester, Cynthia Hoch and her husband, Greg of Gardnerville, NV, Lori Granato of Hebron, three grandchildren Michael Granato, Victoria Hoch, Samantha Hoch, two sisters, Florence Miele of Manchester, Rosalie Tatasciore of Pinellas Park, FL, a sister-in-law, Noreen Granato of Wethersfield, many nieces and nephews and their families, a very special goddaughter, Samantha Gonzales, and Michelle and Jay Gonzales. Besides his parents, wife and son, Joseph was predeceased by a brother, Alfred Granato and two brothers-in-law, Urban Tatasciore and Sam Miele.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester. Private burial with military honors will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Family and friends are invited to attend memorial calling hours Monday, Aug. 24 from 4-6:30 p.m. at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040 or American Diabetes Assoc., CT/Western MA Office, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com.