Joseph P. LaPenta Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joseph Paul LaPenta, age 87, passed away peacefully in Farmington, CT on February 9, 2022. Joe was born in Hartford, CT on May 28, 1934. Joe’s life led him through many doors, including placing 5th out of 210 at a roller-skating competition at the Regionals in Queens, NY at age 15. After graduating from Weaver High School in 1953, Joe was drafted into the US Marine Corps, and eventually received an honorable discharge with rank of Sergeant. Next, Joe became a bricklayer and later joined the West Hartford Police serving 11 years. Joe then earned a teaching certificate from New Britain State College, and taught masonry at Albert Prince Vocational School in Hartford, CT While a police officer, Joe organized the West Hartford police union, local 1783, and served about eight years as its president. Joe also negotiated the first labor contracts between the cities of Hartford and West Hartford and their police unions, as well as for the West Hartford School crossing guards. In 1972, Joe became owner of the Silver Dollar restaurant, operating for 37 years. Joe was appointed a Town Constable serving six years, later a Justice of Peace and Notary Republic. After a quadruple bypass surgery, Joe retired. Joe is survived by his three daughters, Antoinette Matthews and her husband Ken, Jo-Anne Cormier and her husband Alvin, Andrea Graham and her husband Mark; daughter-in-law Lynn Hebert Atkin; twelve grandchildren, Jonathan and Joey Vigurs, Jason, Danny and Kevin Matthews, Kevin Cormier and Samantha Camasso, Hannah, Mason and Chase Graham, Danielle and Gavin LaPenta; two great grandchildren, Kaylyn Vigurs and Luca Camasso; brother Lenny LaPenta and sister Rosemarie Murray; brother-in-law, Joseph Leone, and sister-in-law Sandra Leone Woods. Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marie Leone LaPenta, as well as his parents, Anthony LaPenta and Mary Cataldi, and his beloved son, Paul. Joe’s four-legged loves over the years include Prince, Scottie, Bella, and Molly. “I had a great life and in passing I say goodbye to all and hello to my wife Marie who awaits me.” There will be a military burial in honor of Joe and his service to our country. Friends and family are invited to attend at 11am on Tuesday, February 15, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave, Hartford, CT.