Obituary: Joseph M. Cidela

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Joseph M. Cidela

WATERBURY — Joseph M. Cidela, 80, of Townsend Avenue, Waterbury, died peacefully Sunday, Aug.14, at the West Haven Veterans Hospital after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was the husband of Wilma (Harrison) Cidela.

Mr. Cidela was born Aug. 7, 1931 in Waterbury, the son of the late Pasquale and Rose (Cocchiola) Cidela. He was a graduate of Leavenworth High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War conflict and was a proud recipient of the nation’s highest honor for bravery, the Purple Heart. After serving in the armed forces, he attended baking school at the Quality Baking Association in Ohio and worked as a baker for many years at Reymond’s Bakery in Waterbury before retiring. Joe enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing cards, and was an avid New York Yankees and Giants fan. He was a member of the Waterbury Knights of Columbus and the Wolcott VFW Post #1979. He also loved his two dogs, Patches and C.J., and will be sadly missed by them.

Besides his wife Wilma of 55 years, he is survived by his two sons, Joseph Cidela Jr. and his wife Colleen of Waterbury, William Cidela and his wife Lisa of Wolcott; his two daughters Anita Tuozzola and her husband Daniel of Prospect, Julie Mathis and her husband Steve of Ocoee, Fla. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Erica Cidela-Messenger and her husband Jay, Mark Irwin, and Jodie Irwin; his step-grandchildren, Anthony and Matthew Tuozzola, Mark and Mitch Mordarski; his great-grandchildren Loagan Irwin and Cayden Messenger; his step great-grandson, Kolby Messenger; his brother, Donald Terenzi; and his two sister-in-laws, Marie Cidela and Joyce Hubbard as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, Paul and Patsy Cidela; his sister Phyllis Hayes; and step-grandson, Daniel V. Tuozzola, Jr.

Mr. Cidela’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the nurses and aides at Meridian Manor Health Care Center in Waterbury for the care and special attention they provided to Joe during his stay with them.

Funeral services for Mr. Cidela will be held Thursday, Aug. 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Leo the Great Church, 14 Bentwood Ave., Waterbury. Burial with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 203 Spring Lake Road, Waterbury. Those planning on attending are asked to meet directly at the church. There are no calling hours. The Casey O’Donnell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations in Mr. Cidela’s memory can be made to the West Haven VA Hospital, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT 06516.

To extend on-line expressions of sympathy to the family or for additional information, visit www.caseyodonnell.com.