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Joseph Formato Obituary
Joseph Dominick Formato, Jr., 97, beloved husband of Elaine (Malinowski) Formato, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his wife and three children. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Cavalier) Formato, Sr. A man of strength, discipline, and devotion, Joseph was a professional boxer and a proud United States Army veteran. Following his military service, he dedicated his life to education, serving for more than 30 years as a Physical Education teacher at Race Brook School with the Orange Board of Education. He earned his Master's Degree from Southern Connecticut State University and was deeply committed to mentoring generations of students. Joseph was a devoted husband for seventy years and a proud father to Denise Valerie Botti, Robert Joseph Formato, and Donna Lynn Formato. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Civitello and Anne Amore, eight grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished deeply, whether near or far. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Ann Parente. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown. Words of Remembrance will follow at 1:30 p.m., with graveside services and military honors at Resurrection Cemetery in Westbrook, CT. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Formato
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Joe angeletti
December 23, 2025
So sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. We were classmates at SCSC and later became pizza pals, and we have many fond memories of that time. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Cally & Joe Angeletti
Carol Tamor
December 22, 2025
My mother Connie and I have many wonderful memories of her brother/my uncle. Aunt Elaine and my cousins, please know you’re all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love to everyone!
Randy Thomas
December 15, 2025
Mr Formato was my gym teacher at Racebrook Schoolaround 1968-70ish.. I remember him like it was yesterday he had complete control of the playground and gym remember his black sneaker/shoes and whistle was a great guy.i would think of him every so oftenGod Bless him and his long life My highest sympathies eternal prayers
Bernie Staggers
December 15, 2025
My prayers are with you during this time of loss and grief. May the love you always felt and received together, bring you comfort in the time in your lives.
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Joan Marrone
December 14, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Joe for many years at Race Brook School. We shared many recess duties over those years, during which I learned not only was he an outstanding PE teacher, but a compassionate role model to our students; a kind and true gentleman. They all loved and respected him. My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Jody Barstein Dietch
December 14, 2025
So sad to read this. As an RBS alumni, I have fond memories of Mr. Formato.
Susan E Aubrey
December 14, 2025
Yesterday when I saw this i entered a lengthy message that is not here. IDK why??? Only my 2nd message appeared. I couldn't say enough wonderful things about Joe, wonderful memories from the day we moved in next door 40 yrs ago. He came to our rescue many times. So sorry to see this. We loved your dad and mom.
Rick and Susie Aubrey
Roberta Lehet
December 13, 2025
I attended Race Brook School from 1961-68. Mr. Formato was my PE teacher. What a commanding presence and great teacher. Always looked forward to gym class. My sincerest sympathy
Susan E Aubrey
December 13, 2025
I forgot to send my deepest sympathy to Elaine, Donna, Dee Dee and Bobby and all the family. We loved your Dad & Mom.
Susan E Aubrey
December 13, 2025
We all have THE BEST MEMORIES OF THE BEST NEIGHBOR. We met when we moved into the house next door 40 years ago. So so many wonderful memories. Him and Elaine were always just a phone call away and Joe came to my rescue many many time thru the years and I could go on and on about all the times. We've lost touch unfortunately once they moved to middletown but will ALWAYS REMEMBER THE WONDERFUL PERSON HE WAS. Sending lots of love and sympathy to you all.
Sue and Rick Aubrey and family
Charlie Dammling
December 12, 2025
Mr Formato was one of my favorite teachers (5th grade High Plains, Orange)
RIP
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