Joseph Barocas

Joseph Barocas, 93, of Stamford, CT, passed away on February 26, 2025, in South Palm Beach, FL. Joe was born into a large family in Brooklyn, New York. He told stories as a young boy taking the subway to Yankee Stadium to collect autographs from the ball players, and as a teen, playing stickball on the streets of Brooklyn. Nicknamed “Spike,” he played Varsity football for Tilden High School and was offered a scholarship to play football at Brandeis College, though he forged a different path. After graduation, Joe served his country as a sailor in the US Navy stationed on aircraft carriers during the Korean War where his love of country and the sea was forged. Joe pursued his education at the Philadelphia School of Textiles, studying textile engineering in anticipation of joining his family’s textile business. It was in Philadelphia that he met Sandra Dorfman, the love of his life. They married in 1956 and remained deeply in love until his passing.

Joe's interest shifted to real estate, where he began building houses and apartment buildings in Brooklyn. In the early 1960s, he was captivated by the beauty of Connecticut's landscape, with its then abundant land and rolling wooded hills. Joe co-found Charter Oak Estates which developed neighborhoods and built beautiful single-family homes with a country feel on Ethan Allen Lane and Nathan Hale Drive.

The Barocas family made their home on Ethan Allen Lane, where Joe and Sandra raised their four children: Sabrina and twins Stacy and Hayley, later welcoming their son Morris.

Always a sailor at heart, Joe spent summer weekends with his family, either at his Westbrook, CT beach house or on his Egg Harbor, “Our Frist Hurrah.” The Barocas extended family had yearly cruises to Newport, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, or up the Hudson River to Canada and Burlington, Vermont. Because of his knowledge and leadership, Joe was promoted to Commodore of the Stamford Power Squadron. Joe also served on the Stamford Tax Assessment Appeals Board, a volunteer position.

Joe built a woodshop in his home where he enjoyed furniture building. His signature coffee table design can be found in several family members' homes, a lasting testament to his craftsmanship and creativity.

Joseph Barocas is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Sandra, their children Sabrina Benjamin (Daniel), Stacy Beyda (Danny), Dr. Hayley Barocas (Michael Trock), and Morris Barocas (Lisa), Grandchildren Lindsay Rosen (Peter), David Benjamin (Esther) Jeffrey Eisenberg (Melissa), Chelsea Naden (Andrew), Carly, and Joe. Great grandchildren include, Blake, Jack and Reed Rosen, Jordyn and Tate Eisenberg, Samuel Benjamin, and Sophie Naden. Joe is survived by his sister Rita Resnikoff.

Joe is predeceased by his parents Morris and Sarah Barocas, his brothers Albert and Leonard, and his sister Susan.

A funeral service will be held at Agudath Shalom synagogue at 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT on Sunday morning at 10:30AM. Shiva service will be held at the home of Lisa and Morris Barocas (times will be disseminated through the community). Donations in Joe’s memory can be made to Israel Cancer Research Fund located at 52 Vanderbilt Ave., #1410, New York NY 10017.