Joseph John Gwizdak

Joseph John Gwizdak, 88, died peacefully at home on August 22, 2012, with the love of his life by his side.
"Papa Joe" was born July 12, 1924, in Norwalk, Connecticut. He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1942 and enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943, where he served as a gunnery instructor until his honorable discharge in 1946. On November 27, 1948, he married Cecilia Wenzel, and together they had four children.
Joe worked for Ring's End Lumber Company in Darien, Connecticut, for many years, retiring in 1978 to start his own business installing new and replacement doors and windows. In 1980, Joe and Ceil bought a cabin on the Connecticut River in Maidstone, Vermont, where they spent many summers and falls until 1995. In 1988, they sold the house they built in Norwalk, Connecticut, and purchased a home in Ramona in 1989.
Joe was a volunteer at the San Diego Aerospace Museum in El Cajon for over 20 years. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Ramona.
Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Cecilia; his son, Joseph Alan (Susan) Gwizdak; daughters, Patricia Gwizdak, Linda Gwizdak, Kathryn (David) Dardine; granddaughters, Shannon McConathy, Laurel Gwizdak, Sara Van Derslice and Lindsay Gwizdak; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Thomas (Aileen) Gwizdak.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated on August 27, 2012. A graveside service will be held in late October at Nuevo Memory Gardens in Ramona.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Association or Elizabeth Hospice.