Joseph S. Lombardo

Joseph S. Lombardo, 93, of Wethersfield, devoted husband for 62 years of Clara (Vasques) Lombardo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford on September 8, 1921, son of the late Sebastiano and Dorotea Lombardo, Joseph and Clara made their home in Wethersfield for the past 53 years. Joseph was a lifelong charter member of the Knights of Columbus. He retired from the State of Connecticut as Insurance Administrator for the Department of Housing. As Administrator, he is proudest of his personal achievement, developing a distinctive plan saving Connecticut housing authorities a conservative two million dollars annually, a plan which is still in operation 27 years later. He served for many years on CRIS Radio for the Blind, reporting sports and narrative stories at its Connecticut Institute. Joseph was an original choir member of the Church of the Incarnation and a vigorous campaigner for contributions to its building construction. Being a Lector at Mass gave him great joy. His passion was music, from opera to symphonies to the sounds of Sinatra and Bennett. An usher at the Bushnell was a jewel of a job for him, fulfilling both his love of music and theatre. He found gratification in the cultural influences of world travel, cruising the oceans with Clara on more than 40 ships with their dear friends, Joan and Carmen Ierna. Aboard ship, it pleased him to meet passengers socially, entertaining thousands in karaoke song, invariably winding up number one in stage contests. Joseph was an avid fan for both the NY Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed sketching, and was also an avid reader, fascinated by all types of literature, including Bible stories. His upbeat style touched everyone he met. He treasured his frequent visits with his children and grandchildren. A loving husband, father and grandfather, his extended family meant the world to him. Joseph was committed to witness his grandkids' events such as sports activities, school concerts, graduations and Eagle Scout ceremonies. If it involved his grandchildren, he was there, always looking to each of them with pride. Besides his beloved wife Clara, Joseph is survived by his daughter Linda and her husband Brennan McLaughlin, his daughter Paula and her husband David Smith, his 10 grandchildren Kevin, Kelly, Ryan, and Shannon McLaughlin, and Tyler, Colby, Parker, Garrett, Weston and Carson Smith, and his great-grandson Max McLaughlin. His closeness to his nephew Gian was very special. Joseph was predeceased by two older brothers, Sam and Paul and sisters-in-law Nell and Lee. Funeral services will leave Saturday at 9:15 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, Wethersfield. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 4-7 p.m. Donations in Joseph's memory may be made to the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield, CT 06109. To share a memory of Joseph with the family, please visit www.desopo.com.