Joseph Tampellini

Joseph J. Tampellini
Lieutenant Colonel, USAFR




Naugatuck, CT Joseph J. Tampellini, 78, husband of Patricia E. (Parker) Tampellini, died unexpectedly on April 11, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Joe was born June 23, 1945 in Waterbury, CT the oldest son of the late Oscar and Lenore (O’Connor) Tampellini. Joe attended local schools and graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Fairfield University and USAF Officer Training School in Texas. Before retiring, he worked as a purchasing agent for the State of CT, Department of Transportation. He enjoyed photography, politics, writing editorials and he loved Disney World.

One of Joe’s greatest accomplishments was of his USAF service in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s; however, his highest honor was in raising his beautiful daughter Christine, who predeceased him three years ago.

In addition to Patricia, his loving wife of 54 years, Joe is survived by his brother and sister in law, Patrick and Rosemary Tampellini of Naugatuck; his cousins, James Tampellini and wife Linda and son AJ of Milford, Walter Tampellini and wife Ruby of Casper, Wyoming, Beverly Tischer and husband Dave of Bethany; his niece, Karen Mays and sons, Jack and Ben of Delaware; his nephews, Pat Tampellini and wife Julia of Wolcott and Justin Tampellini and wife Heather of Bristol. Joe also leaves grandnieces, Ashley, Caden, Vanessa and Carlena and a grandnephew, Killiam.

Joe loved his family deeply and cherished each and every one of them. In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his daughter, Christine Tampellini and his brothers, Allan Tampellini and Edward Tampellini.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00am at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1006 New Haven Road, Naugatuck. Burial with military honors will follow at St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck. Calling hours will be Saturday from 8:30am to 9:30am at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. Members of the Naugatuck Veterans Council will assemble at the funeral home Saturday morning at 9:15am.