Joseph Vecellio, Sr.

Joseph Vecellio, Sr., 84, of West Haven, passed away on June 14, 2026, after a brief illness that he fought with courage and dignity.

Joe was also known by many as “Joe Fudd,” “Joe Arnold,” “Joe the Breadman,” and “Big Joe.”

Born in New Haven on July 1, 1941, Joe was the son of the late Gio Batista and Luisa Pesci Vecellio. Joe was a devoted husband for 62 years to his loving wife, Mary Ann Arnone Vecellio. He was the best, supportive father to his children: Joseph Vecellio, Jr. (Katy), Karla Vozzi (John), John Vecellio (Anna), and June Lazaroff (Larry). He was an endearing and proud poppy to his grandchildren: Joseph Vecellio, III (Ashton), Matteo Vecellio (Sarah), Patricia Vecellio (Gabriel), Gianna Vozzi, Gabrielle Vozzi, Jessica Ouellet, and Isabella Vecellio. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Stephen Lazaroff (Cara), Robert Lazaroff, and Tim Laffin; and sister-in-law, Audrey Vecellio. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Edmund and Christina Vecellio, and his brother Leo Vecellio.

Family and friends were at the center of Joe’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor who found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved. His love for his wife, Mary Ann, was extraordinary - truly one in a million. When asked how long they were married, he would say, “All my life” to get a laugh, but it was also his way of saying that she was his soulmate. Joe had several friends since childhood and maintained wonderful friendships with those he met while working on his Arnold’s Bread route and at the Post Office.

Joe cherished his Italian heritage and took great pride in exploring his family genealogy. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he loved his country and exemplified a lifetime of service to his community. Joe was an active member of the West Haven Republican Town Committee for over 40 years and proudly served as an Alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Joe loved hockey and was a loyal Quinnipiac Bobcats men’s hockey season ticket holder. He enjoyed watching horse races, talking baseball, and was an original member of the Silver Sluggers Club.

Joe’s adventurous spirit took him across the country and around the world. He delighted in finding the best travel deals and often became the unofficial travel agent for family and friends.

Above all, Joe will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to pull a prank on family or friends, bringing laughter wherever he went. Though he was a hardworking and dedicated man, he taught those around him an important lesson: life is meant to be enjoyed, and we should never take ourselves too seriously!

Friends are invited to visit with Joseph’s family on Monday evening, June 22nd, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Porto Funeral Home, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 23rd at 10:30 a.m. in Precious Blood Parish-St. Agnes Church, 400 Merwin Ave., Milford. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mount St. Peter Cemetery, Derby. Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. For more information or to send condolences, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.