For over four decades, Joe served the Bridgeport community with compassion and care, as a funeral director at Parente-Lauro and then on to Larson's Funeral Home as well as working closely with several others who often needed his extended support and services.

To many, he had a gift for connecting with people (over a few martinis). His career wasn't just a job, it was a way of life that created lasting relationships across many communities. He was a familiar face at gatherings, from dinners at the various Italian societies throughout Bridgeport to spending countless hours within the Portuguese community in "The Hollow", always ready with a smile and a kind word, especially in their times of grieving. He had hoped to continue his involvement well into retirement, a plan that was unfortunately derailed by health issues for both him and his wife, a regret that weighed on him.

Beyond his professional life, Joe was in his mind, the #1 Cowboys fan of all time, and when combined with his love for the Yankees, he would tell you, "JOE KNOWS WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS". He was an avid golfer and could be found locally on the golf course at Fairchild Wheeler and taking many trips with groups of friends down south during the winter months. While at home in Connecticut, he enjoyed travels and especially the frequent trips to the casinos, and treasured the many adventures he shared with his wife and their tight knit group of friends.

Above all, he centered around his family. In his final years, he found immense joy in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchild, a renewed relationship with his sister and overall, living vicariously through all of them and their successes and happiness.