Joseph Francis Monaco, Sr., age 88, a lifelong resident of Derby, Connecticut, entered into rest peacefully on Thursday, November 22, 2012 (Thanksgiving) at his home after a prolonged illness.
He was born in Derby on September 28, 1924, the youngest child of the late Francesco and Maria Dorso Monaco. Joseph attended Franklin School and later Bullard-Haven’s Technical School before serving in World War II as a combat medic overseas in the European Theater. Upon return from the war, he married Vincenza Bonito of New Haven and raised his family in East Derby (Bank Street, High Street, and Monaco Circle) and worked at B. F. Goodrich Sponge Rubber in Shelton. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s (and later Saint Jude’s) Roman Catholic Churches in Derby. Joseph was also a member of the East Side Italian American Club and the Catholic War Veterans in Derby and enjoyed special times at Stork’s Tavern.
Joseph was pre-deceased by his loving wife Vincenza and devoted son Joseph F. Monaco Jr. (wife Maureen) of Derby. He is survived by his children Colonel (US Army, Retired) Francis Monaco and his wife Paulette (Carmel, NY), Maria Houser and her husband Doctor Richard Houser (Marion, CT), RoseAnn DeMarco and her husband David DeMarco (East Haven, CT), and Felicia Monaco and her husband Richard Bartholomew of Derby, as well as foster sons Vincent Samuolis (Guilford, CT) and William and Steven Breeney. He is the loving grandfather of Major (US Army) Francis Monaco, former Captain (US Army) Michael Monaco, Major (US Air Force) Joseph Monaco, Jeffrey Monaco, Vincent Monaco, Danielle Monaco, Terese Houser, Edward Mehmel, Christopher Mehmel, Richard Houser, David DeMarco, Cassandra DeMarco, Michael DeMarco, Anthony Bartholomew, and Vincenza Bartholomew. Joseph is the great grandfather of thirteen wonderful children and uncle to several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and son, his brothers, Louis and Anthony Monaco, and sisters, Philomena Haines, Margaret Cirillo and Angelia Drago, predeceased Joseph. Joseph will be remembered for his extremely hard work ethic and strong family orientation. He personally made countless sacrifices in his life to enable his children to attend and graduate from college.
The family would like to thank his long time caregiver Shyrlene Boyce and helpers Rae and Marion as well as the staff at the Comfort Keepers and the West Haven Veterans Administration Hospital.
Calling hours are from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 25 at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. His funeral will leave the funeral home on Monday at 10:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 26, 2012 followed by burial with military honors at Mount Saint Peter Cemetery, 219 New Haven Avenue, Derby. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 3, Derby, CT 06418 or the West Haven Veterans Administration Hospital, West Haven, CT. Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.
