Joseph A. Federico (Joe), 81, of Trumbull, formerly of Bridgeport, passed away on October 19, 2026.

Joseph A. Federico (Joe), 81, of Trumbull, formerly of Bridgeport, passed away on October 19, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Federico, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage until her passing in 2020. Born on April 2, 1945, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Joseph and Philomena Federico.

Joe's entrepreneurial spirit emerged at an early age. He began working as the bottle manager at King Cole Supermarket at just 16 years old and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming Director of Operations before leaving the company in 1977. In 1979, alongside his brother and business partners, he opened People's Warehouse Foods in Bridgeport, one of the area's first warehouse-style grocery stores. The store became a neighborhood favorite, employing many local teenagers over the years, and was known for its warehouse-style approach where boxes were free but bags cost extra. People's Warehouse Foods operated until 1985.

Subscribe

Over the years, Joe owned and operated several businesses before beginning the final chapter of his career in 1994 when he founded Auto Paint Doctor. Through hard work, skill, and dedication, he built a successful business serving automobile dealerships across Connecticut until his retirement in 2018.

Joe will be remembered for his love of cooking and, most of all, the special time he shared with his family and friends. Whether he was preparing trays of baked ziti, meatballs, and sausage and peppers for dealership employees or hosting family gatherings, cooking was one of the ways he showed his love and brought people together.

Joe and Barbara enjoyed vacationing in many places together over the years, but their favorite destination was Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where they honeymooned and later returned to create many cherished memories. He was also an avid card player who spent countless evenings around the card table with friends and family. In later years, some of his favorite card-playing

companions became his grandchildren, teaching them to play Poker, Blackjack, and Piles and creating memories they would carry with them for a lifetime.

Joe cherished weekend sleepovers with his grandchildren, creating treasured memories filled with love and laughter.

Joe is survived by his children, John Mieczkowski, Sherry (Greg) Felisko, and Joe (Jennifer) Federico; his grandchildren, Brianna Felisko, Joey Federico, and Anthony Federico; his siblings, Nikki Purvin and Donald (Peggy) Federico; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Munchkin.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, Joe was predeceased by his grandson, Nicholas Federico, and his sister, Josephine Nickerson.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe's life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Woodmont Borough Hall, 128 Kings Highway, Milford, CT. Friends may drop in at any time between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to offer condolences and share memories with the family. A buffet lunch will be served at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nick Felisko Scholarship Fund and mailed to 154 Herbert Street, Milford, CT 06461. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at codywhitefuneralservice.com.