WATERBURY – Mr. Joseph P. Culotta, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at Saint Mary’s Hospital. He was devoted husband of the late Barbara (Sirica) Culotta.
Mr. Culotta was born on Nov. 25, 1926, in Waterbury, son of the late John and Mary (Mascari) Culotta. He was a graduate of Crosby High School and a proud World War II U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Seabees.
While stationed in the Pacific, Joseph played baseball with the touring American League baseball professionals, including his hero, Joe DiMaggio.
He was one of eight children and a lifelong Waterbury resident. He was the produce manager for Pathmark Supermarket for more than 25 years until his retirement.
Joe was a lifelong communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Joe was a longtime member of the Oakville VFW Post No. 7330. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight.
Joe enjoyed bowling and bowled with the Italian-American Club. After his retirement, Joe became an avid golfer and twice he shot a hole-in-one.
Joseph is survived by his son, Thomas Culotta and his wife Mary Custic, of Cambridge, Mass. and his daughters, Barbara Ann “Bonnie” Reeves and her husband Robert, of Georgia and JoAnn Moon and her husband J.P., of Wolcott.
He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brother and sisters-in-law Andrew Sirica of Waterbury, Marie Culotta of Newtown, Genevieve Banno of New York; his good friend, Nancy Leskauskas of Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was predeceased by his brothers, Austin Culotta, Dr. Anthony Culotta, Dr. John Culotta, Father Thomas Culotta, Charles Culotta and his sisters, Mother Superior Mary Angela and Rose Culotta.
The funeral will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. from Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury, to Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a Mass at 11 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m.
For more information or online condolences, please visit our website: maioranofuneralhome.com.
