Joseph W. Marinelli, Jr., 88, of North Haven peacefully entered into rest surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 29, 2012 after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Rita (Franceschelli) Marinelli and the devoted father of Beth (David) Spose and Joseph (Wendy) Marinelli, III. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Lindsay and Michael Spose and Santina and Olivia Marinelli, who will cherish memories of their loving grandfather. Joseph was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 24, 1924 to Joseph and Santina Marinelli. A World War II veteran, he took part in the D-Day campaign, one of the thousands of servicemen who came ashore on Omaha Beach in the first wave invasion of Normandy, France in June 1944. Finishing his distinguished service to his country as an MP, he returned stateside to study the automotive repair trade. He was the co-owner of a well respected business with his brother, Bill Marinelli, in his home town of North Haven until 1976. Taking on a new challenge, he further honed his skills as a first class machinist building nuclear submarines at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, retiring in 1988. An avid car enthusiast, he admired the advances in automotive technology and awaited the release of every new model with great anticipation. His greatest enjoyment, however, was spending time with his family, taking pleasure in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Joseph is survived by his sisters Mary Bouteiller and Rose (Ben) Caputo. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law Mary Serravalle and Ernestine Colosimo as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Lena Marino and his brother Bill Marinelli. He will be remembered as being a gentle man and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Friends and family may call at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven, Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 4 to 7 pm. His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, Thursday morning at 9:30 am. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden at 10:00 am. Interment with full military honors will follow at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Whitney Manor, 2798 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518.