Joseph Sargent

Sargent, Joseph D.
Joseph Dudley Sargent, age 79, beloved husband of Sheilagh Reidy Sargent, of Fairfield, entered into eternal life on November 1, 2016. He was the son of the late Gerald Thomas Sargent of Bar Harbor, Maine and Honora Oliver of County Mayo, Ireland. He was born on April 16, 1937 in Bryn Mawr, PA. In addition to Sheilagh, his devoted wife of 53 years, Mr. Sargent's memory is lovingly embraced by his children and their families; Moira Sargent Rachel, John, and their daughter Julia Rose, of Fairfield; Colleen Sargent Murphy, her husband John, and their children, John Joseph, Aidan Patrick, and Alanna Elizabeth of Fairfield; Joseph Patrick Sargent, his wife Meghana, and their son Joseph Padraig of Stamford; Sean Martin Sargent, his wife Jennifer, and their children, Fiona Jane and Jude Martin, of Hoboken, NJ; Liam O'Sullivan Sargent, his wife Joy, and their children, Liam Joseph, Brendan Paul, Mary Louisa, and Linda Reidy, of Manhasset, NY; Bridget Sargent Lesizza, her husband Jason, and their children, Luke Renato, Nora Sargent, and Gabriel Oliver, of Fairfield. He will also be remembered by his brother, Gerald Thomas Sargent II, and his wife Kathleen of Fairfield; many cousins, nieces, nephews, family friends, and respected former colleagues. A graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School and Fairfield University, Mr. Sargent later received his MBA from New York University. He also served his country in the United States Army Reserve and was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. Mr. Sargent joined the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America two days after graduating from college, beginning his career in the mailroom. He spent his entire career at the Guardian, serving in various leadership roles, ultimately retiring as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Guardian in 2002. He continued as a member of the Board of Directors until 2009. Under Mr. Sargent's leadership, the Guardian prospered, continuing its growth and steady performance while diversifying and maintaining its identity as a mutual insurer. Mr. Sargent led the Guardian's merger with Berkshire Life Insurance Co of America. Shortly after the tragic terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, Mr. Sargent, as CEO of the Guardian announced that regardless of the existence of any policy exclusions, the Guardian would pay all policies for the families of the victims even before the full extent of its exposure to the event became clear. The life insurance industry followed suit. Mr. Sargent was an active member and past chairman and director of many national and state insurance industry councils, including the Life Insurance Council of NY and the American Council of Life Insurers. Mr. Sargent was known for his charitable commitments, and served as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of United Way of New York City and Chair of its Audit and Financial Committee for many years. He was also a Trustee of the Discovery Museum Foundation of Bridgeport. He served as a member of the Business Advisory Council at Fairfield University and Baruch College. Mr. Sargent served as a trustee for Holy Family Parish, Fairfield, for many years. Mr. Sargent was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
In 1998, Mr. Sargent received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor as authorized by the U.S. Congress and was thrice named one of the "Business 100" Honoree by Irish America Magazine. He is also the recipient of Fairfield University's Alumni Professional Achievement Award, and received an honorary Doctors of Laws degree from Fairfield University in 2011. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 3-7 p.m in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, in Fairfield, with his interment to follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to: New York Foundling, Inc. (www.nyfoundling.org) To order flowers online, travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.