Joseph Paul Vaccarella

Joseph Paul Vaccarella
Joseph Paul Vaccarella, affectionately known as "Joe the Barber", of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024, at the age of 88. Born and raised in West Rutland, Vermont, he was the son of Leonardo and Liboria DiGangi Vaccarella.
Growing up in central Vermont, Joe attended West Rutland High School and was a standout athlete. He played varsity football and basketball and was both the starting quarterback and point guard. As a boy, Joe was active in his local Catholic Church. This commitment to his faith carried on throughout his adult life. Upon his graduation in 1954, Joe left West Rutland to join the United States Navy. He was very proud of his service, especially being a member of the crew of the heralded USS New Jersey battleship. Joe was honorably discharged 4 years after joining the service, but never lost his connection to the Navy. He often participated in the Fairfield Memorial Day Parade and wore his USS New Jersey hat with pride.
Upon completion of his service, Joe returned to New England, but not to his home state of Vermont. During his tenure in the Navy, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Betty. Betty's family had moved south to Connecticut and when Joe left the service, he came to Fairfield to reunite with the love of his life. To support his young family, Joe began work as a barber in town. Not only did the Navy shape him as a young man, but it also taught him the skill that he would fine tune and master over a 62-year career. Joe became his own boss when he was fortunate enough to purchase the shop he had begun working in years earlier, Barber Serville. With Joe's barber chair easily visible through the shop window and a constant smile on his face, he became best known for his moniker, Joe the Barber. He was a fixture on the Post Road in Fairfield for over six decades. Passersby knew not only could they stop in for a great haircut but also a laugh, a story, and sometimes even a cocktail.
When Joe wasn't at the shop, you could be sure to find him gallivanting around town. He never turned down an invite to grab a bite to eat or a drink at the bar. He loved attending local sporting events with friends and family. Whether it was a Fairfield Stags basketball game or a Thanksgiving crosstown rivals' football game, Joe was always ready. Over the years, his customers all became his friends. Joe attended countless birthday parties, graduation festivities, and weddings of all the great people that had become his larger Fairfield family.
Joe was a devoted attendee of St Anthony's Church. Whether it was planning the annual summer picnic or sitting down for a bowl of soup during lent, Joe steadfastly supported all their endeavors. Yet again, the people at St. Anthony's, just like his customers, were also family to him. Joe would give you the hat on his head if you needed it.
His love of sports didn't end at the Fairfield border. Joe was a rabid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He spent many an evening watching his Red Sox and would talk about them at length in the barber shop the next day. Joe and, his brother and best friend, Damian, would take trips to South Bend to cheer on the Irish football team. One of his favorite games to see was the annual contest between the Notre Dame and Navy football programs. His allegiance may have been divided, but his love for both teams was never questioned.
Upon his retirement at 84, having served the community of Fairfield for 62 years as a barber, Joe continued to fill his days with the love and friendship of all the people he had met. He would join his cherished friends at the Pine Creek Deli for a coffee, sandwich, and the banter he so loved. He continued to be active at his church and spent more time in St. Anthony's Charity Garden. Of course, he never missed an opportunity to see and speak with his brother. They commiserated daily and continued their adventures. He still attended Stags games and watched the Sox nightly. Just as throughout his life, he would regularly visit his hometown of West Rutland, especially when the yearly high school reunion arrived.
Joe will be greatly missed by daughters, AnnMarie Bennett and Maryann Trombetta, son-in-law Michael Trombetta, granddaughters Whitney Bennett (Ronnie Everett) and Christina Trombetta (Jonathan Merriam), and great-grandson Chase Joseph Everett, along with sister-in-law Sandra Vaccarella, and his nieces and nephews. In keeping with his wishes there are no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield. Followed by burial at Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Memorial contributions may be made to The Thomas Merton Center, 238 Jewett Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06606. Arrangements are in the care of the FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME OF EDMUND W. DOUGIELLO.