RETIRED BRIDGEPORT POLICE OFFICER
Joseph Michael Procaccini, 73, of North Haven, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband for 41 years to Nydia E. Colon Procaccini. Joseph was born in Bridgeport on October 11, 1946 and was the son of the late Vincent and Ann Tornabene Procaccini. He had worked as a Police Officer for the city of Bridgeport for 20 years until his retirement. Joseph more recently worked as a car salesman, was an avid New York Yankees and San Francisco 49ers fan. Joseph’s greatest joy in life was his family and he loved them unconditionally. Joseph is lovingly remembered by his stepdaughter Jessica Hawke, daughter Jennifer Bittar and her husband William, his daughter Alyssa Mahan and her husband Robert, his son Benjamin Joseph Procaccini and his wife April, his brother Vincent Procaccini and his wife Karen, his brother Thomas Procaccini and his nine grandchildren.
Visiting hours are Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home at 12 Noon. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Jez, I am so sorry for your loss. I know these words don’t help much, and many folks will repeat them, but just know that we all send our love and support. At times like these, there are no words that do justice. I wish you peace.
My deepest condolences. Joe was a great guy whose smile was almost as big as his heart.
This came as a shock to me.I just talk to Joe a couple of weeks ago.We were hoping to get together to talk about the old times condolences to his family and they will be in my prayers.R.I.P my old friend I will always remember you.
I am so sorry as I knew Joe back in the day when he worked with Gary Kelly, Vic Diaz, Larry Gentile, Jesus (forget his last name) May he RIP.
Although I did not know him, I know his daughter. That being said, he must have been a wonderful man and father to have raised such a caring, giving woman. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Joe and I were partners for 9 years and were like brothers! He will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace brother
Joe was one of a kind.
This caught me by surprise and our World is just a little less bright with his passing.
He had a big heart and an infectious laugh with a ready smile. If you had a chance to do business with him count yourself lucky. He worked in an industry that is rife with questionable characters. But he was the opposite. He was honest and a caring. It showed through his actions. those big eyes and tremendous smile. My goal every day was to get him to laugh. Wasn’t too hard as you all know.
Let’s be honest about his ability to master technology. I spent 5 Months trying to get him up to speed on the dealership software. For me it was a labor of love because I wanted him to succeed and be a part of the sales staff. Either I wasn’t a very good Teacher or He had just reached a point in his life where he just wanted to sell and help People find their perfect vehicle and not get dragged down by the software that made Managements life easier but not His.
Sales was his calling. He could connect with anyone and with his background as a Police Officer/Detective in Bridgeport he knew just about everyone. Heck, he even spoke Spanish.
Day in and day out He would talk about his Wife, Children and Grandchildren. He loved them all so much. I worked with him 12 hours a day, 5 days a week for 5 Months. Did I get to know him? Id like to think so. However. we went our separate ways last year – He to sell in New Haven and me to sell in Branford. I got out of the auto business and my new job took me on the road. Almost every week I’d be driving up 34 and get to his light. I’d call him and every time he’d say,”Who is this?”. I would ask him why he never put me in his contacts? But I knew the answer. Technology or he had and he was ing me a hard time. But I kept calling to see how he was doing.
It’s going to be some sad trips for me in the future going up 34 knowing he isn’t at his desk.
God Bless you Joe. You were taken too soon and you’ll be missed.
My Dad is a man who believed in his family. He cherished small moments that are often overlooked. His heart is big and beautiful and his smile even bigger.
Words will never give justice to my Dad as to how truly amazing he is. I will forever miss his contagious laugh, the hugs and kisses, his prayers over the phone when you needed them the most, his support and the hope he encouraged you to have when you felt your lowest.
He is a man of honor, compassion, loyalty and love. He would move heaven on earth for his family if he could just to bring some happiness. He fought for the things he believed in and never gave up. He gave when he had little to give. He is my hero. He is my best friend. My role model. My guiding light. The BEST PAPA to my 3 children. I am truly lucky and blessed to have had such an incredible dad. And I will miss him every day but I will hold him close to my heart and keep his memory alive. I love you DAD ❤️ Until we meet again xoxo
Well said Alyssa.
Sending warm and caring thoughts during this time. May your memories remain with you always to carry you through. Marilyn Colandrea
My sincere condolences go out to Joe’s family. Joe was a great warm hearted friend and co-worker. He will be missed. God bless you Joe.
-Ted Astarita
Worked with Joe in Platoon 3. Great Brother 👮🏻♀️ Didn’t deserve what happened to him. Hates that A hole that lied about Joe. Joe was a good Cop. Would ride with him ANY day., He would have your 6 any day. Miss you Brother 👮🏻♀️🇺🇸👮🏻♀️
Our deepest sympathy to Joseph’s entire family. Joseph was a special “Connecticut Treasure”. Rest in peace Joseph…
Rose Gaudio Lamy, State Retiree
Connecticut Ambassador
RIP Joe, you set a high standard for the new guys on the BPD
Thank you so much to all those who have commented here. Joe was my father, and I was luckiest person alive to have him as my dad. Your words and comforts have meant the world to our family, who are still struggling to grasp that he’s not in our lives anymore. He was THE central focal point of our family’s existence, and lit up our days constantly. I owe everything that’s good to him, and always knew he had my back no matter what. His entire family was his LIFE, he cared to deeply for each and every one of us, and showed it every day. I would be honored to know him as a person, even if he hadn’t been my father, and my life will always be better because he was in it. Thank you all for your support and prayers, we appreciate it so much.
Joe I wish you were still here so I could tell you how much you meant to me. I worked with Joe at three different car dealerships over the years we were friends for almost 20 years. Talk about a man of principles, ethics and integrity!!! That’s my dear friend Joe. My wife and I visited with him and Nydia a few times while on vacation in FL when they lived here and we had great fellowship, of course it was over food, Joe loved good food! I remember the sea food dinner we all had one year on New Years Eve! I miss you my brother you FOREVER touched my heart. Talk about a man that loved his family, that’s my friend Joe, although I never met most of them it is true his love for them could inspire anyone, he always talked about them! Joe was a TRUELY a family guy, he was so blessed to have such a great family that cherished him! I miss you my brother and I wish you were not called home when you were but we all know you are with The Lord. I miss you man! Thank you for being such an inspiration and a true friend, love ya bro!