Obituary: Joseph U. Ridarelli Sr., 87, of West Haven

From West Haven Funeral Home

Joseph U. Ridarelli Sr., 87, of West Haven, died at home with his family by his side on December 25, 2016.

Beloved husband of 62 years to Enes (Caricchio) Ridarelli. Loving father to Joseph Ridarelli Jr., Louise (Steven) Hurchala and Carol (Ernest) Asprelli. Loving grandfather to Kevin Ridarelli, Samuel (Kaylee) Hurchala, Benjamin Hurchala, Vera Asprelli and Valeria Asprelli. He was predeceased by his siblings Anthony Ridarelli and Clementina Amendola.

Joe was born on December 20, 1929 to the late Guido and Louise (Esposito) Ridarelli. Joe served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany. He loved to tell “war” stories to his family.

From his 10 days at sea traveling to Germany to how to boil an egg in your helmet, Joe made the family laugh throughout the years with his many stories of Army life. Joe retired at the age of 55 as the Supervisor of Customer Service in the U. S. Postal Service.

Upon retirement, he was able to devote his time and love to his family, especially his grandchildren. He went fishing, played board games, made puzzles and attended soccer games and ballet, all for the shear enjoyment of watching his grandchildren. He taught his children and grandchildren to always work hard and take care of your family; roles he modeled for them.

Joe always had a suggestion and words of wisdom which helped the family each day. Joe traveled throughout his adult life, taking his family on a cross-country journey and traveling with Enes through Italy, France, Spain and Germany where he visited the Army base he left in 1953. One of his favorite places and his heaven on earth was Naples, Florida, where he spent as much time as possible with his family.

Donations in Joe’s name may be made to CT. Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT. 06405.

To leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.

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