Joseph J. Narotsky

Joseph Narotsky, Ph.D, 87 years of age, of Columbia, CT, died Wednesday, December 11, 2019. He was the husband of the late Joanne (Goldblatt) Narotsky, to whom he was married for 43 years. Born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Nathan and Ida (Goldsmith) Narotsky, he moved to Columbia at age 3. Joe graduated from Windham High School and Eastern CT State University (then known as Willimantic State Teachers College), where he was an accomplished athlete in both baseball and basketball. In recognition of his achievements, he was elected to the ECSU Hall of Fame in 1992. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Connecticut and served as a professor at ECSU for over 30 years. A dedicated educator, Joe inspired his colleagues and subsequent generations of future teachers. Joe remained in Columbia throughout his life, where he was a devoted husband and father to his four boys. He was an active and recognizable member of the Columbia community, coaching his sons' basketball and baseball teams, and attending Temple B'Nai Israel in Willimantic. Joe was well-loved by all for his patience, kindness, and tireless dedication to his family, friends and community. He leaves behind his sons, Jason Narotsky and his wife Sharon of Columbia, CT, Evan Narotsky of Denver, CO, Seth Narotsky and his wife Susan of Middletown, CT, and Eric Narotsky and his wife Cari of Longmeadow, MA; his sister, Goldie Liverant of Colchester; and four grandchildren, Jared, Jordan, Ellyson and Nathaniel. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at Congregation Ahavath Achim, 84 Lebanon Avenue, Colchester, CT. Interment will follow in Congregation Agudas Achim Cemetery, 227 Stafford Road, Mansfield, CT. Following the interment the family will receive relatives and friends at Temple B'Nai Isreal, 383 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Joseph, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.