Joseph "Jake" Kenneth Hurd

Joseph (Jake) Kenneth Hurd, 81, of Cheshire passed away suddenly, Wednesday April 12, 2023 at MidState Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Mary (DeRose) Hurd.

Jake was an avid golfer, but he always found time to help coach his children’s sports and activities.  He loved to sit and chat with friends and family.  He was the constant jokester and instilled that great sense of humor in his children and grandchildren.  His true pride came out when he talked about his grandchildren.  “Papa” as he was called always gave them great advice and let them know how much he loved them. 

Joseph was born May 16, 1941 in Waukegan, IL, a son of the late Kenneth Virgil and Isabel Grace (Minnis) Hurd and was a longtime Cheshire resident. He was raised in St. Joseph, MI and was a 1964 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, where he was the class president and met Mary, the love of his life. Joseph proudly served in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam War. He was employed for 22 years by Eder Brothers, and after his retirement, he worked at the Southington Y.M.C.A. and then at the Meriden Markham Airport. Joseph was a Communicant of St. Bridget of Sweden Church in Cheshire.

Besides his loving wife Mary, he leaves his daughter Carrie Kall and her husband Richard of East Hampton, and his son Ken Hurd and his wife Melissa of Berlin.  He is also survived by the “true lights of his life,” his grandchildren: Conor and Carly Bemis and Phoebe, Nate and Ethan Hurd. As well as his beloved sister Ruth Hurd of Michigan and many adored nieces and nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his sister Colette King of Iowa and his brother Peter Hurd of Florida.