Joseph O. Giannattasio

Joseph O. Giannattasio, 82 of Southington, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was the beloved husband of Christine (Andrade) Giannattasio, who was his partner and best friend through all the ups and downs life has thrown their way for the last 57 years. 

Joe was born October 9, 1942 in Torrington, CT, son of the late Filomena and Joseph Giannattasio, he grew up in a close-knit Italian family living next door to his aunt, uncle and cousins. From a young age and throughout his life he admired and shared a special bond with his dad who taught him how to hunt, fish, garden, beekeeping and especially wine and cheese making.  

Upon graduating high school, Joe enlisted in the US Army, and before leaving he met the love of his life. After serving in Turkey, which he thoroughly enjoyed, he and Christine wed and moved to Virginia where he completed his military service.

Joe and Christine moved to Wolcott to raise their family, where Joe was affectionately known as “Mr. G” in the neighborhood and with his children's friends. Joe had a long career at Data General repairing and installing the latest computer systems, He enjoyed the many friendships he made with his colleagues and customers. In his spare time, you would find Joe working in his garden or pruning his fruit trees and helping his neighbors do the same. They would always take a much-needed break together at the end of the day to enjoy Joe’s homemade wine and peaches.

Joe was very proud of his Italian heritage and family was everything to him. Sunday was family day and was spent at his parent’s home with his whole family enjoying Minnie’s phenomenal cooking and still learning all he could from his dad. He spent many summer weekends relaxing at Highland Lake with his family enjoying boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and, of course, delicious meals! He cherished trips to Italy spending time traveling the country and visiting his family.

Joe was a dog lover and enjoyed his beloved dogs and grand dogs. He easily made friends everywhere he went, had a great sense of humor and was forever teasing and joking with everyone he loved. In his retired years he would go fishing every chance he got and it was quite a bit! He then rediscovered his love for shooting pool and played daily for many years at local senior centers. When asked how he did his response was ALWAYS that he had won! He had the same answer when it came to his poker games or bingo. As much as he loved and enjoyed his hobbies, everything came to a stop when it came to doing something with or for his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He dropped everything to spend time with them and attend any of their endless activities or games.

In addition to his wife, Christine, Joseph is survived by his daughter, Lisa Stevens and her husband, Richard, of Southington; his son, Joseph Giannattasio and his wife, Christy, of Wolcott; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Joseph, Samantha and Jenna; his sister, Ann Zeller and her husband, Robert, of Torrington; his sisters-in-law, Carol Giannattasio, Elizabeth Guarneri, Deborah Andrade, and Judy Andrade; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony Giannattasio and Richard Giannattasio; and his brothers-in-law, Richard Andrade, Robert Andrade, and Ronald Andrade.

Joe’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Accent Care and his caregiver Gricelda. And a heartfelt thank you to his devoted long time caregiver, Racquel.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 10 to 11 AM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville. A Catholic prayer service will begin at 11 AM at the funeral home. Committal with full military honors will follow at Saint Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Donations in memory of Joseph may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777 (www.michaeljfox.org). For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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