Obituary: Dr. Joseph W. D’Anna, Long-Time Dentist in Milford

Dr. Joseph W. D’Anna, formerly a Dentist in Milford, CT passed away on February 9, 2019 at Cedar Hill Rehabilitation Center in Windsor, VT. after a long illness. He was born in New York City on March 6, 1928 and was the son of Emily and Joseph D’Anna. After graduating from high school, he attended Long Island University graduating in 1949. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania Dental School graduating in 1953. He married Ann Ruth Lindsay from Seymour, CT in 1952.

Soon after graduation from dental school he entered the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lake Charles Air Force base in Louisiana. After a two-year tour he was discharged as a Captain and with his wife Ann moved to Milford, CT. They had three children, T. Lindsay, Suzanne Emily, and Dean Philip. He leaves 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two great grandchildren on the way, and three foster great grandchildren and his beloved cat Louis.

He practiced dentistry in Milford for 39 years. He was president of the Milford Dental Society and was a long-time member of the Milford Lions Club. He was appointed by Clifford Moore, Mayor of Milford, CT to be the Founding director of the Milford Transit District. His leadership helped to create the transit bus service in Milford, CT.

After retiring, Ann and Joe moved permanently to Brownsville, Vermont. His love of woodworking suited them well as they developed a small family farm with horses and chickens. Building a small barn, outbuildings, maintaining pasture fences kept him busy. Although born in the city he really liked to consider himself a “Vermonter”.

He loved playing tennis and downhill skiing which he was able to continue late in life.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nothing made him happier than large family gatherings.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Church in Woodstock, VT later in the spring.

Memorial contributions man be made to Mt. Ascutney Hospital in Windsor, VT, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, NH, or the VA hospital in White River Junction, VT.

Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, VT are assisting with funeral arrangements.