Joseph J. Kersten Jr.

JOSEPH J. KERSTEN JR., age 79, of Stamford, CT, passed away into eternal rest on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at the Stamford Hospital with his family by his side. He was born July 25, 1931 in Stamford, CT, and was the son of the late Joseph J. Kersten Sr. and Mae Lineberg Kersten. Raising his family in Fairfield, CT, he was self employed owning a furniture delivery business. He retired to Ocean City, NJ for 15 years, recently returning to Stamford this past year. Joe was lovingly known as Papa by his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed watching the NY Giants, NY Yankees, Mets and the UCONN Huskies with his family and friends, hosting many super bowl parties. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary (McGrath) Kersten of Stamford, CT; a son, John J. Kersten and his partner, Lorie Ciseno of Bridgeport, CT; four daughters, Linda Schwartz and her husband, Bob of Naugatuck, CT, Deborah Barnsley and her husband, Charles also of Naugatuck, CT, Maureen Dinan and her husband Jim of Deltona, FL, and Marianne Smith and her husband Tom of Stamford, CT; eleven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a grand puppy, Sophia also survive him. The family would like to acknowledge and thank all the doctors, nurses and aides of the Stamford Hospital Intensive Care Unit for going above and beyond while caring for Joe. Family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, August 2nd from 4pm to 8pm at the Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, in Stamford, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, August 3rd at St. Mary's Parish, 566 Elm Street, in Stamford, CT. Burial will follow to Spring Grove Cemetery, 41 Hecker Avenue, in Darien, CT. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to the Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT. If you wish to make an online remembrance, please sign our online guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com .