Joseph F. Zeolla, age 80, of Shelton, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in his home with his family by his side. He is the beloved husband of 58 years to Angelamarie (Spiridigliozzi) Zeolla. Joseph was born in Colle Sannita, Benevento, Italy, on October 13, 1946, the son of Giuseppeantonio and Serafina (Pozzuto) Zeolla.
He came with his family to the United States in 1954, first settling in the Bronx, and graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with a degree in Engineering. In 1997 Joseph opened Connecticut Calibration Labs, in Newtown and built it into a successful calibration and certification business. He was a true entrepreneur, invested in real estate and enjoyed traveling.
Joseph never lost his Italian roots. Each year he made his own tomato sauce and sausages, carrying on the traditions he grew up with and passing them down to his family. His garden was his pride, and it always grew enough vegetables to feed the family, the neighbors and anyone who happened to stop by.
He had an artist’s side as well, with a love of oil painting that he enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed hunting, and at home he could often be found with a good book. He loved cars and took great pride in his collection of classics, and he was always up for a game of bocce. But nothing topped the yearly fishing trip with his kids and grandkids, which was the highlight of his year.
Joseph was always happy, full of fun and never afraid to be a little silly. Family meant everything to him, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved being part of their lives, driving them to their activities and cheering them on from the sidelines at their games, competitions and matches. He will be greatly missed.
He is the beloved father of Christina Doyle (Tom), Francesca Ford (Robert), and Joseph A. Zeolla, and the proud grandfather of Jacob Ford, Marisa Doyle, Elena Ford, and Mallory Doyle. He is also survived by his brother, Louis Zeolla (Lillian), and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joseph was predeceased by his brother, Giovanni Zeolla.
Friends may greet the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, on Wednesday, November 4, from 4 to 7 PM. On Thursday, his procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church in Shelton at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter’s Cemetery in Derby.
In honor of Joseph’s Italian roots and love of gardening, those who wish may have an olive tree planted in his memory through Tre Olive’s “Plant an Olive Tree” program at treolive.com/products/plant-a-tree.