Joseph E. Diggins

Joseph E. “Joe” Diggins, 85, of East Hartford, loving husband of 63 years of the late Shirley M. (Simoneau) Diggins, peacefully passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, surrounded by his caring family at his home. Born in Rockingham, Vermont on March 16, 1939, a son of the late James W. and Grace May (Griffith) Diggins, He had been a resident of East Hartford since 1966. He grew up in Vermont and was a graduate of Bellow Falls High School, class of 1957. One month after high school, he became a proud United States Marine.

After serving his country Joe came to the East Hartford area and started his working career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford. He was a dedicated machinist at Pratt & Whitney for over 30 years, often walking to and from work every day wearing his “10 gallon” cowboy hat. A devout catholic, he was a faithful communicant and former usher at St. Christopher Church and Blessed Sacrament Church both in East Hartford. An intelligent man, he liked tinkering and working on his automobile and he became a gas mileage expert in the mid 1970’s during the gas rationing era. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics often staying up late to watch the late starting west coast games. He was also an avid bird watcher and loved the red cardinals at his home. Most of all, Joe was a devoted husband and caregiver for many years to his loving wife Shirley.

The family extend their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care provided by Pam Taylor and her family. Pam often called Joe her buddy and he could not have stayed safely at home without her assistance. They will be forever grateful to Pam. The family also wishes to thank the Visiting Nurse and Health Services of CT Hospice Team for their dedication and expert guidance in the care of their father.

Joe is survived by his three daughters, Linda Diggins-Domina and her husband Wayne Domina of Manchester, Kathleen “Kathy” Diggins and her significant other Robert Sussdorff of Burlington, Marjorie Witmer of East Hartford; four special grandchildren, Clarissa Diggins of Northfield, NH, Brittany Gould of Franklin, NH, Michaela Sabinski of Hartford, Joseph Witmer of Greenbrier, Tennessee; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Besides his beloved wife and parents, Joe was predeceased by two infant sons, Joseph Diggins and Peter Diggins, and his two siblings, Alice Wands and James Diggins.

Funeral service will be Friday (February 14, 2025) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 am at St. Christopher Church of North American Martyrs Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. James Cemetery, (Section 13), Broad Street, Manchester. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Friday morning. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to The Connecticut Audubon Society, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com