Stratford Man Worked On More Than 100 Broadway Shows: Obituary

Information via Pistey Funeral Home

Joseph P. Patria Jr., 86, of Stratford, died on Tuesday, Jan. 28. He was married to his wife, Millie (Polena) Patria, for 60 years.

Patria was born in Bridgeport to the late Joseph P. Patria Sr. and Lillian (Tiberio) Patria. He graduated from Harding High School and joined the Marine Corps. He served in Korea for two years. He then attended University of Bridgeport and New Haven State Teachers College. During his studies, he worked part-time at the Klein and Shakespeare theaters. His love for the theater won over being a teacher and he began working full-time in the theater.

Patria went on to do over 100 Broadway shows and gave many stagehands their start and jobs in hits such as "Annie," "Phantom of the Opera," "Miss Saigon," "Les Miserables," "Riverdance," "Tap Dance Kid" and "The Producers." He was mentioned and thanked on the Tony Awards for his work on "The Producers."

In addition to his wife, Patria is survived by his two sons, Dr. Michael Patria and his wife, Terry, of Stratford, and Guy Patria and his wife, Kimberly, of Florida; three grandchildren, Joe Patria, Chris Patria and Michael Patria; his sister, Lillian Berarducci and her companion, Ray Klein, of Monroe; his sister-in-law, Patricia Patria, of Bridgeport; and several nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Richard Patria.

Friends were invited to call Friday at the Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main St., Stratford. Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home and 10 a.m. Saturday with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Church. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Those who so desire may make contributions in his memory to SWIM Across the Sound, 2600 Main St., Bridgeport, Connecticut, 06606.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Pistey Funeral Home here.