Joseph M. Regan Jr.

Born in East Haven on June 22, 1935, to Helen Swanson Regan and Joseph Regan, he was the youngest of six children. He grew up in Fair Haven, where he was lovingly raised by his five older sisters, and was a member of the St. Francis Drum Corps, where he met the love of his life, Eileen Kiely of Manchester, Connecticut. They married in 1958, first living in Short Beach before settling in Madison in 1963. There, they became lifelong residents and active members of the community, building countless friendships over the years.

Pops spent his entire career working at the family-run business, Regan Metal Corp. Even after retirement, he would stop by from time to time, lending a hand or making the rounds to say hello to the many friends he made throughout the years.

A devout Catholic, Pops was a longtime parishioner of St. Margaret’s Church. He attended daily Mass with grace and looked forward to getting together with his cherished coffee friends afterward. He entered the Catholic diaconate program, graduating in 1982 with the support of Eileen, and faithfully served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, until retiring in 2016. Even after retirement, he continued his life of faith.

As a deacon, Pops baptized more than 330 children, married countless couples and ministered communion to the sick, always with his bright smile and genuine love for others.

Pops is survived by his sister, Jane Pulaski of Enfield, Connecticut; his children, Joseph M. Regan III (Kim) of Brookfield, Connecticut, and Sheila Regan (Ken) of Higganum, Connecticut; his grandchildren, Stephanie Mulford (Doug), Kelly Regan, Regan Cutillo (Dave), Macken Dobbin (Taylor), Nicolas Regan, and Kaitlyn Regan; and his great-grandchildren, Owen Regan, Hugh Mulford, Sophia Cutillo, Alexander Cutillo, and Isabella Cutillo. He also leaves behind Elizabeth Regan, Jonathan Dobbin, and lifelong friend Dorothy Bavin.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Eileen K. Regan, and his son, Brendan F. Regan, both of whom he missed dearly, as well as his sisters Miriam Conte, Marguerite O’Connell, Helen Dugan, and Dorothy Eastwood.

A man of great faith and a kind, gentle soul, to know him was to love him. His life touched so many people, and he will forever be missed.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 10, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, Madison, CT. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, followed by Christian burial at West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Margaret’s Church annual collection in memory of Deacon Joseph M Regan Jr.