Joseph J. Corso Obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Joseph Corso Obituary

Joseph J. Corso, of East Haven, CT., passed away on November 29, 2025 at the age of 86 He was born on December 3rd, 1938 to the late Anna (DeLucia) and Anthony Corso.

Joseph was predeceased by his beloved wife, Judith J. Corso in 2015 with whom he shared a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and love. He was also predeceased by his sister, Anna Haroskewicz.

He is survived by his children, Jody A. Corso and Anthony L. Corso (Naomi) and by his brother, Anthony N. Corso (Roseanne). He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Hannah E. Corso, Molly K. Corso and Max J. Corso and his three beloved Silky Terriers “Haddie, Harrison and Hartley.” He leaves behind many cherished, nieces and nephews, Alan G. Haroskewicz (Molly), Kathrine (Mark) Silby, Stephanie (Phil) Zetey and Michael Corso. Joe is also survived by his wonderful family friends, Hollis and Heather Redding who were like family.

Joe expressed great love and derived much comfort from their Silky Terriers. Joe supported his daughter’s love and devotion to the Silky Terrier dog breed. He raised his children with their first Silky “Watson” who came into their lives in 1976.

Joseph was an incredibly intelligent and curious person who had a passion for science and knowledge from his early childhood. He studied the stars and the planets of the solar system with a childhood friend and even created star charts on his window shades. He had a chemistry set complete with some fairly dangerous chemicals by today’s standards for a childhood toy. He especially loved playing with the erector set from AC Gilbert that he borrowed from his uncle Vinny Castellano.

He wanted to be a scientist at a young age and admired the work of Albert Einstein. These interests led him to pursue his education and science

Joseph was from a hard-working, Italian-American immigrant family, and was the first in his family to graduate high school. He entered the University of Connecticut at just 17 years old and began working on his Bachelor’s Degree in science majoring in electrical engineering. He graduated with his Masters Degree in 1964 also from the University of Connecticut. Joseph worked almost exclusively for defense contractors first at Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut and then the remainder of his career at Sikorsky aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut. During his work career, he had the opportunity to work with NASA in California, as well as other military contracts building test stands for rotor heads and blade machines in both Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas.

His reliability, skill, and strong work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike. He designed the “Corso Consoles” that he created to test rotor blades and were used for decades. He rarely ever missed a day of work. He even tried to get to work during the blizzard of 1978 until the governor finally shut the highways down and he had to resign himself to going back home. He loved his work so much that he returned to consult for Sikorsky aircraft, after his retirement in 1998 until they were purchased by Lockheed Martin in 2018.

His large Italian-American family cherished their family, traditions and holiday celebrations. Joe had many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins that he enjoyed. He rarely missed an opportunity to visit with him family and friends. even if it was just a Sunday afternoon of coffee, cake, and playing cards.

Through the careful guidance of his wife, the Corso house became the location for many celebrations and holidays over the years. The Corso “love language” was food and no one left the house with an empty stomach.

After retirement, Joseph devoted much of his time to continuing to enrich his mind by taking online courses, constantly doing puzzles and word games, as well as continuing to build relationships with his friends both new and old and reestablishing a close bond with his brother.

Joe also helped his late wife Judith care for their grandchildren at “Grandma Daycare,” where all three grandchildren were lovingly cared for. These years created memories still treasured by his family.

After the loss of his wife Judith, Joseph attended many dog shows including entries in the Westminster Dog Show in NYC and the Silky Terrier National dog shows. The dog show world became a huge part of his later years. Joe also leaves behind his “dog show family” and friends. He enjoyed traveling to these shows and cheering on his daughter Jody from ringside.

Joe really enjoyed all the camaraderie of the dog shows. He was incredibly proud of the accomplishments of “Haddie” (Daddy’s girl). He would often gleefully tell people that she was the “best bitch” in her class on the days she earned points towards her championship and subsequent grand championship titles. “Haddie” adored her Daddy and didn’t want to share him with the boys. They could often be found napping together on the couch with her wrapped tightly around his neck.

Joseph will be remembered for his quiet strength, kind heart, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. He will be missed by all whom were touched by his generosity and gentle spirit. His legacy lives on in the love he had for life and the countless lives he touched.

Family will receive friends on Thursday December 4, 2025 from 4 to 7 Pm at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday December 5 at 11 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven with Burial/Committal to follow at Alder Brook Cemetery in Guilford.