Captain Joseph V. Dugan, 80, of 17 Meadow Way, Candlewood Knolls, New Fairfield, CT passed away peacefully whilst holding the hand of his beloved wife Pat on Monday, April 5th, 2021 at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of Patricia (Nolan) Dugan.
Joe was born in Yonkers, NY, son of the late Eugene and Sarah (Kelly) Dugan. He attended school in Yonkers, NY. In September 1971, Joe and his wife Patricia moved to New Fairfield, CT after falling in love with both Candlewood Knolls and Candlewood Lake.
Joe served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1962 aboard the USS Tutuila. After serving our country for three years, Joe was discharged from the U.S. Navy and joined the Yonkers Fire Department. While he started as a Fireman, Joe was promoted to Lieutenant, then to Captain and Commanding Officer of the Yonkers Arson Investigation Unit. Joe postponed his retirement after the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. At the time of his retirement later in 2002, Joe had served the people of Yonkers for over three decades with his courage, heroism, and a witty sense of humor. He saved countless lives and provided the kindness and compassion that only he could to those who had lost everything. In 1995, Joe received the “Emergency Medical Man of the Year Award” from the City of Yonkers for actions that showed his limitless courage and bravery for delivering a baby in the front seat of a parked vehicle. In addition, Joe received many awards and accommodations during his career.
Joe and his wife, Pat, owned and operated the Candlewood Stained Glass Studio located in Candlewood Corners, New Fairfield. Joe was an extraordinary artist and focused his God-given talent on creating some of the most beautiful stained glass pieces utilizing the Tiffany method. He specialized in large panels, kitchen cabinet inserts, sidelights, and various commissioned works of art. His reputation was such that he was asked to provide stained glass pieces for St. Patrick’s Cathedral in midtown Manhattan.
Joe was predeceased by his brothers Eugene, Robert, Thomas, John, Lawrence and Raymond.
In addition to his wife of 53 years, he is survived by his son, Michael; his daughter-in-law, Mandy,;and his three grandchildren, Maggie, Joey, and Emma.
We are all devastated by this loss, and will miss the light that he brought into all of our lives. People like Joe Dugan are rare. We’ve been blessed to have been in his presence, if only for a finite period of time. We will see you again Dad!
A Mas of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 9th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church in New Fairfield (https://saintedwardchurch.org/info).
Burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery in New Fairfield, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be made to:
-National Kidney Foundation (Team Joseph V. Dugan):
Fueled by passion and urgency, National Kidney Foundation is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, NKF focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we enhance lives through action, education and accelerating change.
https://team.kidney.org/campaign/Joseph-V--Dugan-
-Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC):
This charity was dear to my father’s heart. RMHC is global network of local Chapters that has been helping millions of families with sick children find comfort and support when they need it most. Since 1974, RMHC has created programs that strengthen families during difficult times. RMHC provides vital resources and compassionate care to children and their families being served by leading hospitals worldwide.
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