Joseph Vasta

Joseph "Joe" Vasta, 91, of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away on October 18, 2023. He was born on September 2, 1932, in Floral Park, New York, and grew up in Woodhaven, Queens. Anyone who met Joe found a warm and inviting presence, with a lively sense of humor. He was known for his intelligence, love of country, and enthusiasm for the New York Yankees and Giants. Joe was also an avid dog lover and enjoyed playing golf. During his retirement, he spent his winters in Bonita Springs, Florida when not traveling the world with his wife, “Mitzi”.

During the Korean War, Joe enlisted in the Navy and served as an Aviation Machinist's Mate, Petty Officer 3rd Class, from 1951 to 1955. He was an active member of Springdale VFW Post 9617, serving as Adjutant and Officer of the Day. This year he was named the Grand Marshal of the Stamford Veteran’s Day Parade and was the recipient of proclamations issued by Stamford Mayor Simmons and the Connecticut State Assembly recognizing his life and service to his country. He also received the Patriotic Service Award from the Knights of Columbus earlier this year. Throughout his life, Joe demonstrated his love for his “Brothers in Arms”.

Joe had a successful career of 28 years at General Telephone & Electronics (GTE), where he retired as Director of State & Local Taxation. He also served as the local chapter President of the Tax Executives Institute. Joe graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in Queens, NY and earned his degree in Accounting/Business Management from Pace College.

Joe is survived by his loving daughter, Diane Matteis (Anthony Matteis Jr.), and son, Donald Vasta (Kathryn Hennessey). He will be deeply missed by his granddaughters, Jessica Sprague (Scott Sprague), Megan Beal (Justin Beal), and grandson, Anthony Matteis 3rd (fiancée Ginnie Johnson) and great grandsons Jackson and Dante Sprague. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne Vasta, and his parents, Salvatore and Margaret Vasta (Ammerman).

A visitation for Joe will be held on Thursday, October 26 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford CT 06905.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to VFW Post 9617, P.O. Box 4712, Stamford, CT 06907 or at

https://vfw9617.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp

May Joe Vasta rest in eternal peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.