Obituary of Joseph A. Totora
Joseph A. Totora, age 82, of Bridgeport, the beloved husband of 54 years of Shirley Matera Totora, bravely won the battle over life and passed into eternal peace on Sunday, March 29, 2009. Born on May 3, 1926, he was the son of the late Joseph and Adeline Valentino Totora.
He was pre-deceased by brothers Michael, Nicholas, Charles and Albert Totora, sister Mary Tiernan and twin sister Adeline (Dolly) Morello.
He is survived by his dear brother-in-law brother John John Tiernan. In addition to his wife, Joseph leaves behind the legacy of his life, his three daughters and their families, Diane Tantimonico of Trumbull, her husband Gary and their son, Ryan, Dawn Totora of Santa Fe, NM, her husband Sal Gilbertie and their son Bilal, Debbie Casey of Fayetteville, GA, her husband Michael and their children, Michael, Colin, Patrick, Julia, Amelia and his namesake, Joseph. He is also survived by a niece Candy Faris and nephews, Michael and Ronald Totora and Geoffrey Totoro. He was loved as a father and grandfather by his niece and nephew Christine Gorneault and Frank Matera and their families.
Joseph graduated from Central High School in 1944 and immediately thereafter rose to the call of the service of his country in World War II. He was proud to be a soldier of the 42nd Infantry World War II Rainbow Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. St. Joseph protected and inspired him throughout his life. Like him, Joseph was a family man and a carver. Joseph was employed by the E&F Construction Company for 45 years as a dispatch coordinator. Whether it was show time at the Notre Dame Cabaret, time to be president of the Home School Association of Notre Dame Catholic High School, time to celebrate Mass as an altar boy or lecturer at St. Raphaels he made the most of his time. His time was too short. He was a soldier who never forgot. He will never be forgotten. He will live in our hearts forever.
His wife and daughters would like to thank Dr. Christian Heineken and Dr. William Fitzgerald, whom he respected professionally and befriended personally. Also, a special thank you to the compassionate caregivers of St. Vincent's Medical Center.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Margarets Shrine, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated by his lifelong friend, Rev. Robert F. Weiss, S.J. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.