Joseph Paul Szegda

Joseph P. Szegda, 84, of Szegda Road, Columbia, husband of the late Laura (Sturtevant) Szegda, died Saturday Sept. 29, 2001 at the Windham Hospital. He was born March 28, 1917 in Columbia. Mr. Szegda was a lifelong resident of Columbia where he served in community service for over 60 years. During that time, he was the First Selectman for over 20 years. He was raised on the family farm and spent his life working on it and eventually took over its operation in the early 1950 s. Under his care the farm grew and prospered, receiving many awards and state recognition. Mr. Szegda was a member of several agricultural organizations and served on the board of directors of both the Federal Land Bank and the Farm Bureau. He was one of the original members of the Columbia Lion s Club and was also an active participant at the Beckish Senior Center. He is survived by 3 sons and daughters in law; Joseph Jr. and Linda of Willimantic, Ronald and Janet and Richard and Violet Louie all of Columbia, 2 daughters and sons in law; Jane and Charlie Luthi of Germany and Judith and Rocky Ortiz of Columbia, a brother John of Santa Barbara, CA. , a sister Sophie Sunny Olshesky of Waterford , 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, (potterfh.com) on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00pm. His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:00am at St. Columba Church, intersection of Rte. 87 and Rte. 66, Columbia, with assembly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations in appreciation of the fine care received while a patient at the hospital, to the Windham Hospital, 112 Mansfield Ave., Willimantic,Ct. 06226.