NAUGATUCK — Joseph F. Presto, 98, of Naugatuck, passed away at the VITAS Inpatient Hospice Care Unit at Saint Mary’s Hospital, after a brief illness, on Monday, April 17, 2023.
He was born on Sept. 24, 1924, to the late Frank and Carmella Presto in Naugatuck. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria (Massimiano) Presto, with whom he just celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his two sons, Frank Presto and his wife Bonnie, and Richard Presto and his wife Joanne.
He also leaves four grandchildren, Jenna Presto, Joseph Presto, Zachary Presto and his wife Jill, Ricki Lee Presto and her husband Steve Dedee; his two great-grandchildren, Abby and Zoey Presto; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Joseph graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1942, and served as a medic in the South Pacific during World War II. He went on to continue his studies at Temple University and Temple School of Pharmacy.
Joseph met the love of his life while doing his pharmaceutical training at a hospital in Philadelphia. Joseph and Gloria married on April 11, 1953 in Pennsauken, N.J., and afterward resided in Naugatuck, where they raised their two sons.
Joseph owned Presto’s Pharmacy on Church Street in Naugatuck, and later went on to be the head pharmacist at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury until his retirement. He enjoyed travel and spending time with his family, especially for the holidays. He is loved and will be missed by many.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Lutheran Home in Southbury and The VITAS Unit at Saint Mary’s Hospital for their care.
A calling hour for Joseph was to be on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 Benson Road, Middlebury. A funeral service was to be at the conclusion of the calling hour at 11 a.m., followed by full military honors, all at the funeral home. Burial was to be private and at the convenience of the family.
For more info or to send an online condolence, please visit brooksidememorial.com.
