Obituary: Joseph W. Langella, Sr., 83, of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT - (From Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home) Joseph W. Langella, Sr., 83, a long-time resident of Hamden, died June 15 in New Haven.

Born in New Haven on November 30, 1938, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Molly (Massaro) Langella, husband of 62 years to Audrey (Johnson), brother of Donald Langella, father to four sons--Joseph Jr. (Donna), Michael (Jill), Peter (Connie) and Paul (Kim)—the proud grandfather to eight granddaughters--Lexie, Caroline, Grace, Julie, Claudia, Molly, Maura and Samantha.

He was predeceased by his sister Lucille Listro.

Joe grew up in New Haven, attended Hillhouse High School and then graduated from Hamden High School, Class of 1956. After serving in the Army Reserves, he enjoyed a successful 37-year career with the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET).

His career began in the mail room, where he met his wife, Audrey. He then worked in a variety of positions and locations, rising to become a Support Services General Manager for the company. He was especially proud to serve as both manager and mentor to many who went on to great success with the company.

Ever the sports enthusiast, he was the starting pitcher on SNET’s CT Industrial League Slow Pitch Softball Team for over twenty-five years. He led the team to the Slow Pitch World Championship Tournament several times and was named a league and tournament MVP multiple times.

He was also Player of the Year on the phone company’s over-70 team in 2010. Joe’s skills were put to great use in service and charity. He was generous with his time in support of the Hamden Father’s Baseball, Football and Basketball Associations and coached teams to championships in each of those leagues. He served as the President of the Hamden Father’s Football Association in 1977.

He was proud to have coached his sons and their many friends along the way. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants and Boston Celtics. In later years, rooting for the UConn women's basketball team was especially satisfying given his sons are all UConn graduates and blessed him with eight granddaughters.

Following in the footsteps of his sons Joey, Michael and Paul—he was the first honorary initiate of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at The University of Connecticut. Friends are invited to go directly to Blessed Sacrament Church, MONDAY at 11 A.M. for a Mass of Christian burial.

Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to one of Joe’s favorite charities: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.