Obituaries
Obituary: Joseph P. Cotrona Jr., 88, of Wallingford
Joseph was a member of the North Italian Home Club, Meriden Elks Lodge, St. Mary's Men's Club and Meriden Building Contractors Association.
WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Joseph P. Cotrona Jr., 88, of Wallingford, died peacefully on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at The Connecticut Hospice of Branford. He was the husband of Janet (Bensenhaver) Cotrona for 67 years.
Joe was born in Meriden, Ct, September 5, 1932, a son of the late Joseph P. Cotrona Sr. and Rose (Papallo) Cotrona.
He graduated from Wilcox Technical School in 1951. Stationed in Korea with the U.S. Army in the 6th Armored Division, 430th Construction Engineers, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.
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Upon his discharge he started his long career as a custom home builder of many homes in the local area.
Joe was a parishioner of Mount Carmel Church, a member of the North Italian Home Club, the Meriden Elks Lodge #35, Unison Club, and St. Mary’s Men’s Club where he fiercely played set back. He was also one of the founders of the Meriden Building Contractors Association.
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Joe enjoyed spending time in Sunapee, New Hampshire as well as Punta Gorda, Florida. He was quite a story teller and loved long motorcycle rides with his many friends.
In addition to his wife Janet, he is survived by his sons, Donald K. Cotrona and his wife Sheree of Wallingford, and Alan J. Cotrona and his wife Karyn of Middlefield; his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Cotrona of Wallingford; his grandchildren, D.J. Cotrona, Justin Cotrona, Ashley Gummoe and her husband Todd, Kirsten Cotrona, P.J. Pisani and his great grandchildren, Ethan, Hadley and Reese Gummoe.
He is also survived by his sister Doris Zimmitti, his sister Barbara and her husband Robert Olayos, his brother Richard Cotrona and his wife Janice, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Brian P. Cotrona; and his siblings, Adrienne Cotrona, Jennie Zimmitti, Peter Cotrona and Marion Smith.
Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, there will be no calling hours.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with military honors on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at 12 pm at Sacred Heart Cemetery. COVID precautions will be followed and masks required.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home.
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