Obituary: Joseph E. Lenahan, Jr.

Joseph E. Lenahan Jr., age 80, of Oxford entered into rest on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 55 years to Sandra (Gadus) Lenahan.

Joseph was born in Derby on May 5, 1942, son of Ruth (Sykes) Lenahan and the late Joseph E. Lenahan Sr. After attending University of Bridgeport, he proudly served in the National Guard. Joseph was the owner of J. E. Lenahan Jr. Trucking and hauled for many carriers for 40 years until his retirement. During his trucking career, his CB handle was Blue Beard. He was later known as Papa and Papa Joe when he became a grandfather. Once retired, he looked forward to morning coffee while catching up with the gang at Zoar Beach. Joe was a member of the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association, The International Brick Collectors Association, Century Boat Club and Teamsters. He loved to build stone walls, especially creating stone artwork. Joe was an avid antique engine and brick collector. He enjoyed times cruising Lake Zoar in his antique wooden boats as well as puttering around the neighborhood in his Model A. He loved sharing his knowledge of the history of Stevenson Dam and Lake Zoar. If you needed driving directions, he was the one to ask. He was also known for wearing a green polka dot welding cap. Joseph was the beloved father of Lisa Randall (James), Tracey Lenahan (James Ginnetty) and Joseph E. Lenahan III (Linda) and loving grandfather of Joshua & Brock Randall and Evelyn, Liam & Macklin Lenahan. He was the brother of John Lenahan (Sharon), brother-in-law of Andrea Molett, cousin of Sharon Madsen, and uncle of Kimberly Schmitz, Kurt Lenahan and Kelly Lewis. On Thursday, friends are invited to greet the family from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton. His funeral service will follow in the parlor beginning at 12:00 PM. (Burial will be private.) The family would like to thank Masonicare for their services. Memorial contributions can be made to Connecticut Antique Machinery Association, 31 Kent Cornwall Rd., Kent, CT 06757. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com