Obituary: Joseph A. Guerrera, 87, of Oakville

Joseph A. Guerrera, 87, of 45 Camp St. Oakville, died Saturday July 9, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Laura (Franzese) Guerrera.

Guerrera was born in Waterbury on March 12, 1925, son of the late Rocco and Pasqualina (Longo) Guerrera. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army, earning a Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Ribbon and a European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Star.

He worked as a truck driver for Lombard Brothers for 35 years. He was the “Original American Scrap Picker” who enjoyed collecting scrap metal and other useful items that were discarded. He also loved frequenting the casino, playing cards, horse races and spending time with family.

Guerrera leaves two sons, John Guerrera and his wife Laurene (Diorio) of Hobe Sound, Fla.; Robert Guerrera and his wife Janice (Carey) of Wolcott; two daughters, Joanne Gillette and her husband John of Cheshire; Marianne DiStefano and her husband Steven of Middletown; a brother, Richard Guerrera and his wife Gladys of Wolcott, four sisters, Lillian DeLauretis and her husband Anthony of Oakville; Mary Ruth Wasdo of Meriden; Antoinette Ceferetti of Oakville; Patricia Jalbert and her husband Richard of Boynton Beach, Fla.; four grandchildren, Steven, Brendon, Jennifer DiStefano and Brittaney Guerrera, along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Carmen Guerrera.

Calling Hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 9, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury.

Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home to St. Mary Magdalen Church for an 11 a.m. mass.

Burial with full military honors: Taking place at the State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.