Joseph Gordon Kresta, 89, of Hamden, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital/St. Raphael Campus with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Alice Kresta. Mr. Kresta was born in New Haven on May 23, 1928 and was the son of the late Albert and Helen Horan Kresta. He served his country faithfully in the US Navy during WWII.  Joseph started at the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad as a draftsman and equipment designer. He stayed with the company through its merger with Penn Central and transition to Conrail from which he retired as Clearance Supervisor. He also taught a class on handling hazardous materials to railroad employees.  A real sports enthusiast, he enjoyed bowling and watching UCONN Girls basketball. Father of Albert (Sally) Kresta, Lynne Kresta Smith and the late Gary, Kim and Michael Kresta. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his brother Albert Kresta and a sister Lillian Carotenuto.

His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Monday morning at 11:15. Family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, Hamden at 11:30. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or to the Warrior Canine Connection, 14934 Schaeffer Road, Boyds, MD  20841