Joseph A. Galeota

Joseph A. Galeota Sr., 86, of Ashford CT, died on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 at Windham Hospital from congestive heart failure. Born on June 3, 1924 at Hartford Hospital to the late Mary and Joseph Galeota. Joseph Sr. graduated from Hartford High School in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after school, serving for six years in both World War II and the Korean War. Following his tour of duty, Joseph returned to the states and worked for the A&P Tea Company for more than 35 years, then the CT Bank and Trust for 10 years. On Nov. 3, 1949, Joseph Sr. married Phyllis Cannarella. They were an admired couple by all and commonly referred to each other as "Chick" and "Babe." Together, they built a home and loving family in Wethersfield, CT for 44 years before moving to Ashford. Joe was a devout Catholic. Part of the Corpus Christi Church congregation, he invested much of his time in the local community. He was also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus of Newington and an avid sports fan who knew the names of each and every member of the UConn Basketball teams. Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his two children Joanne Stevenson and husband Jake, of Ashford, CT, and Joe Galeota Jr and wife Vida, of Arlington, MA. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Christopher Stevenson and wife Amy of Chicago, IL, Jessica Lathrop and husband Robert of Willington, Marisa Galeota of New York City and Philip Galeota of Arlington, MA; and two great grandchildren, Jake Stevenson and Joseph Lathrop; his brother Am Galeota; his sister Teresa Carpenter. He was predeceased by brothers Frank and Tony Galeota. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends. A wake will be held for Joseph Galeota Sr. from 4-7 p.m. on Monday Jan. 31st at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St.(Rte. 195) Willimantic CT 06226. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Feb 1st, at Saint Philip Church on Route 44, in Ashford CT at 10 a.m. with assembly at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, 100 Warren Circle, Storrs CT 06268. For online memorial guestbook and directions to the funeral home, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .