Joseph Michael D'Addario

Joseph Michael D'Addario, of Fairfield, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, November 28, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving family and friends following a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in 1934 in Bridgeport to Joseph G. and Anna Carrano D'Addario. After graduating from Bassick High School in 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His training schools were in NC and FL before being deployed to Korea and Hawaii as an Aviation Ordnance Specialist. He obtained the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1956. Following his tour of duty Joe was employed as a printer at McKesson and Robbins in Fairfield for nine years where he met and married his life-long sweetheart Donna Lee Gay. They married in 1958 and had four children.

In 1956 Joe joined the Fairfield Police Department. He studied to receive his Associates Degree in Criminology while on the job. He transferred to the Detective Bureau in the 1970's and achieved the rank of Sergeant before retiring in 1990. He served 25 years on the force making lasting friendships and retaining many memories.

Joe served at Black Rock Congregational Church for over 50 years in ministries including Boys Brigade, Music and Deacons Boards, Home Visitation, Car Ministry and the assistant to Pastor Jim Marshall in 17 years of Christmas Musicals. In later years he was a member of Young at Heart Senior Group and traveled extensively.

In his lifetime Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his beloved family and faithful friends. Joe D. or Sarge, as he was known, was respected by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his daughter Judi in 2000. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Donna, his remaining sister, Marge Kardos, three beloved sons, Gary of Colebrook, Mark of CA and Robert and his wife Jody of Trumbull; cherished grandchildren, Ashton and Brent Picard, Gunnar and Hunter, Max and Cameron Lynn and great-grandson Logan. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Marie DiStasi and Clara O'Connor and a brother, Louis Daddario. Special mention for his favorite nieces and nephews and very supportive friends. His long life on earth is finished, but the best is yet to come in Heaven.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Black Rock Church, 3685 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service. Friends may call in the church Gathering Room Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Interment will be private in Vermont. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Pivot Ministries, 485 Jane Street, Bridgeport, CT 06608. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com