Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., 90, a former Democratic state senator who represented Connecticut’s 17th District for 24 years and longtime Woodbridge resident, passed away at home on Valentine’s Day with his only love by his side. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Green) Crisco, who he was married to for 66 years.
Joe was born in New Haven, son of the late Joseph J. Sr. and Loretta (Brancati) Crisco. He was a student at Wilbur Cross High School and Hopkins School, where he excelled in both academics and athletics, including serving as Captain of the football team. He went on to attend the University of Connecticut, where he got his undergraduate degree in Accounting & Insurance, played football and met his wife, Pat. He also earned his graduate degree in Economic Studies at Trinity College.
During his 12 terms in the Connecticut senate, “Senator Joe” dedicated himself to public service and was a tireless advocate for the people he represented, especially children and families, seniors and women.
Each year, he held Senior Fairs that provided free healthcare information and services and were attended by thousands of senior citizens. He also established and championed CT Family Day, a statewide holiday and program encouraging special family time.
Additionally, he helped make Connecticut a leader in early breast cancer detection and treatment through his leadership in the passage of several important laws regarding women’s breast health and was also instrumental in championing legislation to provide support for the diagnosis and treatment of autism. Prior to his political career, Joe held various roles in the private sector, including at United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and Hallmark.
Joe also gave of his time in the community, proudly serving on the Woodbridge Board of Selectmen and UConn Board of Trustees for many years and holding the post of President of the UConn Alumni Association.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who cherished his large family and spent countless hours cheering on his grandchildren at various sports fields throughout the years. He loved children and animals, watching the UConn basketball teams, and visiting Lake Como in Italy and had a fantastic, dry sense of humor and sly, mischievous grin.
In addition to his beloved wife, Pat, he is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
They include: Joseph J. (Trey) Crisco and his wife Mary Jean (Hackett) Crisco of Barrington, Rhode Island, and their three daughters, Rachel (Crisco) Burkett (Ken Burkett) and their daughter Hayes, Casey (Crisco) Furtado (Alex Furtado) and Cameron Crisco; Duane Crisco and his wife Ally (Deluca) Crisco of Madison, Connecticut, and their four sons, Ryan, Vincent (Tess Crisco) and their daughters, Peyton and Elle, Chad and William; Kim (Crisco) Ambrose and her husband David of Norwalk, Connecticut, and their three children, Jack Ambrose (Katherine Ambrose), Jessica (Ambrose) DeGraw (Matt DeGraw) and Katherine Ambrose; Carina (Crisco) McCann and her husband John of Simsbury, Connecticut, and their four children, John, Spencer, Grace and Trey; Jennifer (Crisco) Long and her husband Kevin of Glastonbury, Connecticut, and their two daughters, Maggie and Molly; and Jason Crisco and his wife Laura of Simsbury, Connecticut, and their three sons, Benjamin, Samuel and Miles.
He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph John “JJ” Crisco, IV.
The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to their friend, Jollett Johnson, for all the loving care she provided to Joe.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road, Woodbridge, Connecticut. There will be a brief reception in the Parish Hall after Mass. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JJ’s Toys for Friends, a non-profit foundation providing toys and assistive devices to children with special needs that was founded in Joe and Pat’s grandson’s memory. Donations can be made online at www.jjstoysforfriends.org or by mail at: JJ’s Toys for Friends, 18 Maple Ave., Box #126, Barrington, RI 02806. The Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc., is in care of his services.
