Joseph Florence (Jerry)

Joseph ""Jerry"" K. Florence, 78, of Wethersfield, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at Maple View Manor on Tuesday (August 31, 2010) surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford September 11, 1931, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Edna (Garrish) Florence and the loving husband and best friend of Ann (Orlando) Florence for 58 years. Joe was a very patriotic man who proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a Korean War veteran and a Purple Heart recipient. He retired from the Traveler's Insurance Company after 33 years of dedicated service. Joe was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Old Wethersfield and a former member of the choir. He gave back to his community and for years was a volunteer at the House of Bread shelter serving meals with his wife by his side and his many church friends. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed rooting for his favorite Giants, UConn Huskies and Red Sox teams. He was a true animal lover and had a special bond with all of the family dogs, often showing up with treats in one hand, leash in the other and disappearing for long walks with his canine friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, his yard and gardens but his greatest joys were visits from his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss their ""Papa"" dearly. Joe had a keen sense of humor and even during his most difficult days he would find ways to make others smile, often putting their comfort ahead of his. In addition to his wife Ann, he is survived by his 5 loving children, Judy Williams, Janet Boucher and husband Dennis, all of Wethersfield, Jean Tolisano of South Glastonbury, Joseph Florence, Jr. of San Diego, CA and Joann Talbot and husband Kenneth of Middletown, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sisters Virginia Roberts and Frances DesJardens and son-in-law Richard Tolisano. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Lorraine Schuberth and her very loving and supportive family, and family friend Dolores Pattison whose help and support was unwavering. Joe's family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Maple View Manor for the care and compassion provided to Joe and his family during his stay and also to the extremely supportive staff at Masonicare. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (September 3, 2010) at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Hartford Avenue, Wethersfield (everyone is asked to go directly to the church). Burial with military honors will follow in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Donations in Joe's memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church (see address above) or to the American Cancer Society , 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com