Joseph Lawrence Niland

Joseph Lawrence Niland, 83, of Southington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 9 at John Dempsey Hospital after a brief illness, on the 62nd anniversary of his marriage to the love of his life, Jeanette (Fantozzi) Niland. Joe was a kind, gentle soul who lived humbly and unselfishly, and devoted his life to faith and family.

Joe was born on March 17,1938 in Meriden to Lawrence and Adelaide Niland. A graduate of H.C. Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden, Joe proudly served as a United States Marine (3rd Battalion) for nearly six years before he was honorably discharged. Joe worked for United Aluminum for many years, rising to the role of Maintenance Supervisor until he retired in 1999. Joe was a talented metal sculptor and fabricator, and worked with renowned artist Ruth Lapides to create cast bronze sculptures, including A Tree of Life commissioned for the Leadership Development Center of the YWCA in Phoenix, Arizona. Joe freely gave his time to his community by helping to lead BSA Troop 32, who referred to him Socky Joe. He led the St Aloysius CYO for years and helped countless friends and family with their home repair and remodeling projects.

Joe enjoyed most of all spending time with his family at home in Southington or at his Vermont house, called by his grandchildren "Grandpa's Vermont." He could often be found outdoors cheerfully caring for his yard and garden, where he grew beautiful flowers–a passion he shared with Lisa–and always ensured that any passing bird had plenty to eat. A lover of animals, Joe was especially fond of the family beagles Figit and Herbie, and snuck treats to any and all canine visitors to his kitchen. He was a huge fan of the UConn basketball teams and loved watching the women’s team play. Joe loved to golf, ski, hike and bike, and passed on his love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. Always an adventurer at heart, he led his children and grandchildren on many epic undertakings (and the occasional misadventure) such as the time he and Matt rode mules to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and at age 75 after three knee replacements, whitewater rafting in Wyoming with Mark and Sean.

In addition to his wife Jeanette, Joe is survived by his loving sons and their spouses, Mark and Joanne of Simsbury and their daughter Dana; Matthew and Denise Niland of Plantsville and their children Tanner and Rebecca; his son-in-law Michael Raczka of Southington and his children Tara and her fiancé Dan Lanoir, Christian and Mitchell; and by his siblings Anne Murphy, Ed Niland (Cheri), Bill Niland (Rose); his brother-in law Tony Fantozzi (Patty); sister-in-law Evelyn Niland and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe believed in a life beyond this earthly one; he told his nurse the day before he died that he would be leaving the hospital to go to church. Upon his passing, we know that Joe believed that he was on his way to reunite with his beloved daughter Lisa, his grandson Sean, his brother Ray, his parents, and his brother-in-law Joseph Murphy, who predeceased him.

His family will miss him immensely. His love for his wife, Jeanette, and the kindness with which he unwaveringly brightened the world, inspire us all. Joe embodied goodness in all that he did, and we are incredibly lucky to have had him in our lives for the time that we did.

Joe was a parishioner of St. Aloysius Church in Plantsville.

The family would like to thank Ruth, Keri, Joia, Janet and Faustina for their support of Joe as he cared for Jeanette; Carolyn; Heather and Anne for helping coordinate all things medical; Dr. Karina Berg for her help in making sure Joe and Jeanette were able to say goodbye; and the staff at the John Dempsey Hospital for their compassionate care, and for making sure Joe got his ice cream.

There will be a private service for the family followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree St. NE Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309 or 1-800-283-7800 or arthritis.org.

DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington is assisting with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dellavecchiasouthington.com