Joseph E. Calzone, Jr.

Joseph E. Calzone, Jr., born in Norwalk, CT on December 26, 1927, passed peacefully into eternal rest on August 27, 2023, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport, he was ninety-five. The son of the late Joseph and Rose (Donato) Calzone, he was the husband of the late Bessie (Hedrick) Calzone, the love of his life married for sixty-three years.  He was pre-deceased by his two brothers, Frank and Nick, both WWII veterans and lifelong Norwalk residents.  He is survived by his sons Joseph E Calzone III and Gale Pennell of Easton and Vincent J Calzone and wife Mary of Oxford, five loving grandchildren, Vincent Jr and wife Lynn, Timothy and wife Michele, Andrew, Matthew, Jessica and many nieces and nephews.

He served in the Army during WW II based in the Pacific on Saipan and Tinian in a command charged with the building of airstrips.  Upon returning to Norwalk, he became an apprentice in the heating & plumbing trades.  He worked for various contractors until starting his own firm, J Calzone Co, in 1972. Joe’s experience and knowledge in the HVAC industry helped him to quickly develop a loyal clientele including many restaurants.  His running joke was he could eat at any restaurant in Norwalk because they all owed him money! 

Joe enjoyed coaching youth baseball and football as well as bowling with Bessie in the church league at Rip Van Winkle Lanes.  He loved golf and was a member of Race Brook CC.  He would rarely miss games or events in which his grandchildren participated.  His favorite sports teams were the NY Yankees, Giants and Rangers.  Joe raced homing pigeons (the original drones) which he learned about in the army and won numerous races throughout the Northeast.

Joe always had a warm greeting and smile for everyone he met.  He quickly made many friends while living at Brightview Senior Living in Shelton, all of whom are heartbroken by his loss.  As a member of the Greatest Generation, he was an inspiration to those fortunate to have known him.  A kind man with a heart of gold he was loved by all.  You can listen to him talk about his life by following this link to “A Life’s Story”.   https://www.alifesstory.com/mrc

His family will receive friends on Thursday Aug. 31, from 4-8 PM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave, Norwalk. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, Sept 1, at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Ave, Norwalk. Burial with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk.