Joseph M. Micci, Sr., age 81, of New Haven, entered into rest on Wednesday December 13, 2017. He is the devoted husband of Linda Grabowski Micci who he lovingly called “My Gem of a Wife”. He is predeceased by his former wife Eleanor Shastokas Micci.
Mr. Micci was born in Derby on November 25, 1936, son of the late Joseph and Viola Orazietti Micci. He served his country in the U. S. Marines from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean Conflict. After active duty, Joe served in the Marine Reserve Fort Hale New Haven and was discharged as a Staff Sgt E6. He graduated from Santa Monica City College with an Associate Degree in 1965 and Cal State University, Northridge in 1972 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He also attended CT State University where he was taking graduate courses.
He was a teacher at the Grove School in Madison, CT where he spread his passion for History and English Literature. As a young man, Joe delivered over 500 newspapers daily for the former Evening Sentinel and New Haven Register and had fond memories of being a boy scout. He was an expanded Reiki Healer (Second Degree) and an active member of the Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism for which he received a Distinguished Pioneer of America Award on October 2, 2009. He was a Commander’s Club Bronze Leader for the Disabled American Veterans of which he was a member.
He practice as an Enrolled Agent since 1992 and was eligible to represent clients before the IRS. Joe was also a mail handler for the United States Postal Service on Brewery St., New Haven. He proudly served as the Mail Handlers Union President of Local 301 Branch 14. He had a keen interest in Real Estate, was proficient in computer technology, a Patron of the Arts, especially enjoying theater, classical music and poetry. Among his favorites were theatrical plays by Tennessee Williams, poetry by T.S. Elliot, and novels by John Steinbeck. He was an avid fisherman enjoying fishing in the North West Hills of CT, was an incredible swimmer who loved swimming in the Long Island Sound. Joe was a big fan of Jeopardy, competitive Scrabble player, and was a longtime Boston Red Sox Fan. He enjoyed singing and harmonizing with family members and playing the accordion especially when others sang along.
Joe dearly loved his family most of all and treasured the time he spent with each and every one of them. Joe often said “ He wanted to leave the world a better place and this he accomplished through showing kindness, humor, wisdom, generosity and humility. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is the beloved father of Joseph M. Micci, Jr. and his spouse Jose Salvador Zaragoza – Micci of Fort Lauderdale, FL., Rosanne M Micci of Watertown, CT., and the late Helen M. Hofmann of Southbury, CT. He is the brother of Joyce Alea of Chandler, AZ., Gustave Micci and his wife Cathie of Florence, AZ., and Judith Nichols of Shelton, CT. He is the cherished grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa Joe”, to Joseph Micci, III, Cody Micci, Dominic Micci of Great Barrington, IL., Laura McCormack, Ricky Witherspoon, Marcus Witherspoon of Watertown, CT., Crystle Hofmann and Johnny Hofmann of Southbury, CT. He is the loving great grandfather of Alyssa, Madison and Riley Gargoni. He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth Street, Derby. At 12:30 PM a service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held in the funeral home.
Please offer condolences to his family at www.adzimafh.com
