Obituary of Joseph J. Menditto

OBITUARIES Joseph J. Menditto, 86, of New Britain, died peacefully at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford, on Monday Jan. 29, 2007. Born in New Britain, the son of the late Carmine and Rose (Petrucelli) Menditto, he was a life long resident and graduate of New Britain High School in 1938. During World War II he had a distinguished career serving in the G. Company 351st 88th Division (Blue Devils) in Europe, North Africa and Italy. Twice wounded (on the same day) he was the recipient of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the European Theater of Operation Medal with three battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation (Germany) Medal, the City of New Britain WW II Victory Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was involved with the Rome-Arno Battle, the North Appennines Battle, the Po Valley Battle and the Monte Cassino Battle. On June 11, 1946, Joe and his regiment received a presidential citation from then General Dwight D. Eisenhower for "outstanding performance of duty in action.� Following his military achievements, Joe joined his brothers Fred and Tom in their father�s family business, the C. Menditto Housewrecking Company. They were known throughout Connecticut for private, commercial, and government projects (including the razing of the old New Britain Boys� Club of which he belonged for many years). In 1979, Joe became involved with Power Systems, Turbo Power and Marine, at United Technologies in Farmington and for security at hand tools operations in Newington and New Britain. He was a building commissioner under former Mayor Stanley J. Pac and was elected a member of the Democratic Town Committee from the ninth District. He has been a Justice of the Peace since 1973. A long time member of the B.P.O. Elks #957, he served for many years as the corresponding secretary of the Italian Night Committee and he was named Italian Man of the Year in October 1983. Active in many organizations, including the national chapter of the 88th Infantry Division, the Demolition Contractors of Connecticut, the TGM Memorial Post, the American Legion-Eddy Glover Post, the D.A.V., and he was also a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church. In November 2005, Central Connecticut State University opened its Center for Public Policy and Social Research dedicated to the Veterans History Project. This became a part of the project housed in the Library of Congress dedicated to interviews, photos and documents of all U.S. involvements and wars. Being included in this project held special meaning for Joe. In addition to his beloved wife of 61 years, Margaret "Marge� (Holzmann) Menditto, Joe is survived by his loving children, his son Thomas M. Menditto and his wife Valerie of East Berlin, his daughter Diane R. Teodoro and her husband Vincent of Bristol, his daughter Lori L. Zisk and her husband Paul of Kensington, seven grandchildren, Patricia L. Johnson, James V. Teodoro, Anthony P. Teodoro, Amanda A. Menditto, Megan E. Menditto, Heather V. Zisk, and Michael P. Zisk; five great grandchildren Marena Connors, Brooke Johnson, Savanna Johnson, Brianna Teodoro, and Sara Teodoro; his brothers Frederick Menditto, Thomas R. Menditto, his sisters Mary Jane Lynch, Pat DiMauro, Delores Woodward and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Susan Nappi. Funeral services will be held Thursday 9:00 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church (Corner of East St. and Newington Ave.) New Britain. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery New Britain. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Donations may be made in Mr. Menditto�s memory to the Connecticut Hospice Inc. Homeport Cove 100 Beach Road Branford, CT 06405-4906.