Joseph M. Palmucci, age 83, of Ansonia, entered into eternal rest at Yale New Haven Hospital on October 17, 2017 with family by his side. He was the loving husband of Lucille Giardina Palmucci for 56 years.
Born in Derby on January 4, 1934 to the late Joseph P. and Julia Payzer Palmucci, Joe graduated from Ansonia High School in 1952 where he played linebacker for the Lavender Football Chargers.
He attended Quinnipiac College and left to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a Hospital Corpsman in Charleston, SC. After being honorably discharged, he worked as an x‑ray technician at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. He later worked at Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp., Nuclear Fuel Division, where his skills were utilized to x‑ray parts for some of the first nuclear submarines. He also worked at Yale University, Grace New Haven Hospital in Radiology Research. He joined the Prudential Insurance Company of America in 1963 and had a successful career as an agent, training consultant and staff manager. He led his staff to achieve several high level awards and president’s citations.
He was elected an Ansonia Alderman in 1969 in the historic Mayor Martin ticket Republican sweep. He later served as Ansonia’s Police Commissioner, appointed by Mayor Michael J. Adanti. A volunteer at St. Raphael Hospital for over 20 years, he offered encouragement to patients and was a parishioner of Holy Rosary Church. He enjoyed several social clubs, such as the Lemko Club and was a life member of St. Sebastian and Derby Elks Clubs. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post #1562 for almost 60 years.
He was the proud father of Joseph J. Palmucci of Shelton, Laura Petrie (Anthony) of Stratford and adoring grandfather of Avery Hope Palmucci. He leaves several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Madeline (Gildo) Fontana and Loretta (Joseph) Salvati. Always ready with a smile, story or a joke, rather than goodbye, he would often say “See you in the big leagues”, as a queue to the response… “I’ll be there”.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Saturday October 28, 2017 at 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Drive in Ansonia for a Mass of Christian Burial. Following Mass, U.S. Navy honors will be accorded. Interment will be private. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia has been privileged with the arrangements.
Donations may be made in his memory to: The Amity Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 8626, New Haven, CT 06531.
To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
